Compare NDA Types
Find the perfect Non-Disclosure Agreement for your specific needs by comparing all available templates side-by-side
| Feature | Mutual | One-Way | Employee | Contractor | Investor | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Flow | Two-way (both parties) | One-way (one discloser) | One-way (employer to employee) | One-way (company to contractor) | One-way (company to investor) | One-way (employer to candidate) |
| Number of Parties | 2 parties (equal protection) | 2 parties (unequal) | 2 parties (employment context) | 2 parties (business context) | 2 parties (investment context) | 2 parties (recruitment context) |
| Primary Use Case | Partnerships, collaborations | Business pitches, proposals | Employment agreements | Freelance/consulting work | Fundraising, due diligence | Job interviews |
| Typical Duration | 1-5 years | 1-3 years | During employment + 1-2 years | Project duration + 1-2 years | 2-5 years | 1-2 years |
| Non-Compete Clause | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Complexity Level | Medium-High | Low-Medium | Medium | Medium | High | Low |
Mutual NDA
Best when both parties will be sharing confidential information with each other.
Best For:
- Strategic partnerships
- Joint ventures
- Merger & acquisition discussions
- Technology collaborations
One-Way NDA
Use when only one party will disclose confidential information.
Best For:
- Pitching to investors
- Sharing business plans
- Vendor proposals
- Licensing discussions
Employee NDA
Protect company information disclosed to employees during their work.
Best For:
- New hire onboarding
- Access to trade secrets
- Sensitive project involvement
- Executive positions
Contractor NDA
Secure confidentiality with freelancers and independent contractors.
Best For:
- Software development projects
- Marketing consultants
- Design freelancers
- Business advisors
Investor NDA
Protect sensitive business information during fundraising.
Best For:
- Pitch deck presentations
- Due diligence processes
- Financial data sharing
- Strategic discussions
Interview NDA
Safeguard confidential information shared during job interviews.
Best For:
- Technical role interviews
- Product development discussions
- Confidential projects
- Competitive intelligence roles
Pros and Cons of Each Type
Mutual NDA
Pros
- ✓Equal protection for both parties
- ✓Encourages open information sharing
- ✓Suitable for collaborative relationships
- ✓Builds trust between partners
Cons
- ✗More complex to negotiate
- ✗Both parties have obligations
- ✗Harder to enforce if relationship sours
- ✗Requires careful record-keeping
One-Way NDA
Pros
- ✓Simple and straightforward
- ✓Quick to execute
- ✓Clear obligations
- ✓Easier to enforce
Cons
- ✗One-sided protection only
- ✗May not encourage reciprocal sharing
- ✗Limited for partnerships
- ✗Receiver has no protection
Employee NDA
Pros
- ✓Protects company IP and trade secrets
- ✓Standard in most industries
- ✓Enforceable during and after employment
- ✓Prevents competitive harm
Cons
- ✗May reduce employee mobility
- ✗Can be seen as restrictive
- ✗Enforcement varies by jurisdiction
- ✗Overbroad clauses may be void
Contractor NDA
Pros
- ✓Protects project-specific information
- ✓Flexible duration terms
- ✓Can include IP assignment
- ✓Suitable for short-term work
Cons
- ✗Harder to monitor compliance
- ✗Contractor may work for competitors
- ✗Limited post-project enforcement
- ✗May need additional agreements
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