How to e-sign a confidentiality agreement

Confidentiality agreements (CAs) are the umbrella term for NDAs and similar docs. Three common variations:

Variations

1. Mutual NDA — both parties exchange confidential info 2. One-way NDA — only one party discloses 3. Confidentiality agreement — broader scope, often includes IP assignment and non-disclosure combined

When to use which

• Early B2B conversations — mutual NDA (MNDA)
• Vendor engagement where only vendor receives info — one-way NDA
• Employee, contractor, or board member onboarding — confidentiality agreement with IP + non-solicit

Embedded vs. standalone

• Embedded — confidentiality clause within employment agreement or MSA
• Standalone — separate document referenced by the main agreement

Both work. Standalone is common for high-value info exchanges because you can execute the CA before sharing any info.

E-signing workflow

Same as NDA workflow: template on SignBolt, customize per relationship, send.

Term

• During relationship plus X years — common for employment, contractor relationships (X typically 2-5 years after termination)
• For Y years from signing — common for MNDA in business conversations

Next

• How to e-sign an NDA
• Confidentiality agreement template