Confidental Disclosure Agreements

When to Use Confidential Disclosure Agreements

A CDA (Confidential Disclosure Agreement) is used to assure that a party receiving proprietary information (for example, "trade secrets") will maintain the information without disclosing it to others or using it in an unauthorized manner

CDAs are frequently used in negotiating: (a) Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) and (b) the licensing of patent-pending technology.

Importantly, a CDA is not used to transfer biological materials. Rather, biological materials require that a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) be in place. Scientists who are planning on transferring confidential information to non-NIMH party, or who anticipate receiving a CDA from such a party, should contact the NIMH Technology Transfer Office promptly for assistance.