Invention (Patent) Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

An invention non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is used to keep someone’s invention secret before its patent is registered. By having recipients of confidential information sign an NDA, the inventor can legally protect their intellectual property against unwanted disclosure. If the other party breaks the terms of the agreement, the inventor can hold them liable for damages.

Invention (Patent) Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

An invention non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is used to keep someone’s invention secret before its patent is registered. By having recipients of confidential information sign an NDA, the inventor can legally protect their intellectual property against unwanted disclosure. If the other party breaks the terms of the agreement, the inventor can hold them liable for damages.

Last updated June 8th, 2024

An invention non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is used to keep someone’s invention secret before its patent is registered. By having recipients of confidential information sign an NDA, the inventor can legally protect their intellectual property against unwanted disclosure. If the other party breaks the terms of the agreement, the inventor can hold them liable for damages.

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NDAs and Patents

When developing an original concept or invention, an NDA should always be signed before sharing any details with another party if a patent application has not yet been filed.

Registered patent attorneys and agents are required by law to keep all information confidential, so an NDA isn’t necessary when disclosing information to them.

Provisional Patent Application

For further protection, a Provisional Patent Application can be filed, which gives the invention a “patent pending” status and an earlier filing date.

Filing the application gives the inventor 12 months to apply for a utility (non-provisional) patent while maintaining this status.

Invention (Patent) NDA (Preview)

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