Many employees deal with sensitive company information. This can include learning about intellectual property, trade secrets, or business plans. It is understandable that companies will want to limit their exposure in the event that a worker decides to take on a new job with a competitor.

As a result, many businesses require their employees to sign non-disclosure agreements. These arrangements typically prohibit a worker from talking about what they are doing at work to any third party. In addition, these employment agreements can mandate stiff penalties in the event of a violation.

A Washington DC non-disclosure agreement lawyer could help companies in drafting these contracts to better protect their information. Additionally, in the event of a breach, an attorney could work with an employer to enforce any penalties that a confidentiality agreement puts in place.

The Legal Reasoning Behind Non-Disclosure Agreements

Non-disclosure agreements are an example of contracts into which employers and workers may choose to enter. In short, these agreements state that a worker may not talk about what they are doing at work to any third party. This can include other companies, members of the press, or even friends and family.

Companies may use confidentiality agreements for a variety of reasons. Primarily, business owners use them to protect their intellectual property and private data. Especially when a company is developing a new product or beginning a new business venture, they will want to keep the details of this project secret for as long as possible. Overall, non-disclosure contracts can function as a way for companies to control information concerning their operations. A Washington DC attorney could explain why a non-disclosure agreement may be beneficial for a particular company.

What May Happen in the Event of a Confidentiality Breach?

Breaches of confidentiality agreements occur when an employee provides non-approved information to a third party. Because non-disclosure agreements are examples of contracts, the employer may demand a remedy in civil court in the event of a violation. The nature of the remedy is generally a provision within the non-disclosure contract itself. Usually, this will involve the payment of a cash penalty, but a variety of remedies may be possible.

To demand these remedies, a company may need to file a complaint in a civil court. There is a limited time to do this. According to the Code of the District of Columbia § 12-301, employers generally have three years from the date of the apparent breach to file a complaint. A Washington DC attorney could help a business owner through the court process in the event of a non-compete agreement violation.

Contact a Washington DC Non-Disclosure Agreements Attorney

Non-disclosure agreements are a common tool in the business world. Companies use these agreements to control what sensitive information about their business operations is public knowledge. These are contracts carry the full force of the law. Any apparent breach could lead a company to demand a remedy from current or former employees.

A Washington DC non-disclosure agreement lawyer could help companies draft and enforce these contacts. For more information about how our team could help your business protect its private information and data.