Non-Disclosure Agreements

Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are legal documents that establish contractual conditions for the exchange of information where a disclosing party shares confidential information with a receiving party. The NDA defines information that the parties wish to protect from dissemination and outlines restrictions on use.

Many types of information are exchanged under an NDA: ideas, know-how, process descriptions, chemical formulas, manufacturing processes, IP licensing and development, research and financial information. Depending on which party is disclosing information, NDAs may be “one-way” with one party disclosing information and one party receiving, or “two-way” when there is a mutual disclosure.

Georgia Tech has several offices that help put NDAs in place, depending on the type of information being shared and the parties involved. Use the information and examples below to determine which group can help you put your NDA in place.

For more information on NDAs and the review process at Georgia Tech, read these Frequently Asked Questions.

Where do I go for NDA support?

Sponsored Programs NDAs

Sponsored Programs - Exchange Agreements

NDAs in support of exploratory discussions with potential partners or subcontractors regarding the pursuit of sponsored research
NDAs in support of discussions regarding student design course projects when GTRC and the company have a contractual agreement
NDAs in support of discussions regarding activities necessary for the performance of research to satisfy Statement of Work (whether research is externally or internally funded)
NDAs in support of Research Center activities (excluding EI2 activities)
NDAs in support of exploratory conversations with potential vendors provided purchase of the goods or services will be charged to a sponsored program* (*Note: Please note that under certain circumstances where execution of NDA obligates GT to use a certain vendor, vendor selection must be vetted by GT Purchasing prior to negotiation and execution of NDA by Exchange Agreements.)

Other Georgia Tech NDAs

Office of the General Counsel

NDAs in support of procurement activities
NDAs in support of exploratory discussions regarding academic collaborations
Student design course projects when the company is not under an agreement with GTRC
NDAs in support of Department Sales and Services activities
NDAs in support of GTPE and EI2 activities
Any NDAs for supporting organizations (GT Foundation, GT Alumni Association, GATV, etc.)

Technology Licensing NDAs

Office of Technology Licensing

Outbound NDA whereby Georgia Tech shares intellectual property in support of commercialization and licensing activities
Outbound NDA whereby Georgia Tech shares intellectual property disclosed in an invention disclosure

Note: Georgia Tech does not administer or otherwise support NDAs in support of private consulting agreements executed by employees and outside entities in support of consulting to be performed by Georgia Tech employees outside of their Institute job responsibilities. While these agreements are handled externally between the employee and the external party engaging the employee as a consultant, Georgia Tech personnel are reminded to follow all relevant policies for disclosure of all external activities prior to executing agreements with external entities.

Georgia Institute of Technology