Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are becoming increasingly common in today`s business world. These legal documents are designed to protect sensitive and confidential information from being shared with unauthorized parties. If you are looking to create an NDA, it`s important to understand the proper format for this type of agreement.

Here are the key elements you should include in your NDA format:

1. Introduction: The agreement should start with an introduction that identifies the parties involved in the agreement and outlines the purpose of the NDA.

2. Definition of Confidential Information: The NDA should clearly define what constitutes confidential information. This section should identify the types of information that are considered confidential or proprietary, such as trade secrets, financial information, customer lists, and so on.

3. Obligations of the Receiving Party: The NDA should specify the obligations of the receiving party (i.e., the party receiving the confidential information). This section should outline the responsibilities of the receiving party with regard to protecting the confidentiality of the information, such as limiting access to the information and ensuring that it is not disclosed to unauthorized parties.

4. Obligations of the Disclosing Party: The NDA should also specify the obligations of the disclosing party (i.e., the party sharing the confidential information). This section should outline the responsibilities of the disclosing party with regard to ensuring the confidentiality of the information and limiting its use to the intended purposes only.

5. Exclusions: The NDA should include a section that outlines any exceptions to the confidentiality obligations. For example, this section might specify that the obligations do not apply to information that is already publicly available or that the receiving party develops independently.

6. Term and Termination: The NDA should also specify the term of the agreement and the circumstances under which it can be terminated. This section should also outline the process for returning or destroying confidential information once the NDA is no longer in effect.

7. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: Finally, the NDA should identify the governing law and jurisdiction for the agreement. This section should specify which state or country`s laws will apply and which courts will have jurisdiction in the event of any disputes.

By following these guidelines, you can create a comprehensive and effective NDA that will protect your confidential information and give you the legal recourse you need in case of any breaches. Remember to consult with an attorney to ensure that your NDA complies with all applicable laws and regulations.