NDA Guide & Best Practices

Expert tips for creating effective dual-language NDAs

Risk Assessment Guide

🛡️

Low Risk Provisions

  • Basic identification of parties
  • Standard exclusions
  • 1-3 year protection period
  • Jurisdiction in your home country
⚠️

Medium Risk Provisions

  • 4-5 year protection period
  • No language preference clause
  • Broad definition of confidential information
  • Foreign jurisdiction with similar legal system
⛔

High Risk Provisions

  • Protection period over 5 years
  • No exclusions clause
  • No severability clause
  • Contradictory language and law provisions

Confidentiality Scope Selector

Broad

Protects written, oral, electronic and implied confidential information

Favors Disclosing Party

Medium

Protects written and electronic info clearly marked, oral if confirmed in writing

Balanced Approach

Narrow

Only protects information explicitly marked as confidential

Favors Receiving Party

Protection Period Timeline

1-2 Years

Universally enforceable

3 Years

Standard practice

4-5 Years

May face scrutiny in some jurisdictions

5+ Years

Potentially unenforceable

Address Format Guide

US Format

Company Name

Street Address, Suite/Unit #

City, State ZIP

United States

Acme Corporation

123 Main Street, Suite 100

San Francisco, CA 94105

United States

Mexican Format

Nombre de la Empresa

Calle, Número Ext., Número Int.

Colonia, Alcaldía/Municipio

Ciudad, Estado, C.P.

México

Corporación Acme

Av. Insurgentes Sur 1602, Piso 4

Col. Crédito Constructor, Benito Juárez

Ciudad de México, CDMX, C.P. 03940

México

Law & Language Compatibility

✓

US Law + English Prevails

Highly consistent and predictable enforcement

✓

Mexican Law + Spanish Prevails

Consistent with local legal expectations

⚠️

US Law + No Language Preference

Potential interpretation challenges

✕

Mexican Law + English Prevails

May face enforcement challenges in Mexican courts

Expert Tips

📄

Document Both Versions

Ensure both parties receive signed copies in both languages

🌎

Legal Review in Both Jurisdictions

Have legal counsel from both countries review when possible

✏️

Professional Translation

Use certified legal translators for high-value agreements

📅

Date Format Consistency

Use yyyy-mm-dd format to avoid confusion between US and international formats

Need help with more complex agreements? Schedule a consultation