What API Access NDAs Protect
API access often reveals critical technical information about your system architecture, data structures, and business logic. A comprehensive API NDA protects not just the endpoints themselves, but the entire ecosystem of documentation, authentication methods, and integration patterns.
API Documentation
Endpoint specifications, request/response schemas, and integration guides that reveal system architecture.
Authentication Methods
OAuth flows, API keys, JWT structures, and authentication endpoints used to secure access.
Rate Limits & Quotas
Throttling policies, burst limits, and usage quotas that reveal capacity and business constraints.
Webhook Payloads
Event structures, callback signatures, and real-time data formats exposed through webhooks.
Data Schemas
Object models, field definitions, and relationships that reveal your data architecture.
Error Responses
Error codes, messages, and handling patterns that may reveal security or business logic.
API vs. Credential NDAs
API Access NDAs protect the documentation and specifications of your API, while Credential Access NDAs protect the actual keys and tokens used to authenticate. Most integrations require both types of protection.
Essential API Access NDA Clauses
API Documentation Definition
Broadly defines what constitutes protected API documentation and specifications.
Usage Restrictions
Limits how the API documentation can be used and prevents competitive use.
No Redistribution
Prevents sharing of API documentation with unauthorized parties.
Version Control
Addresses handling of updated and deprecated API versions.
Security Testing Limits
Restricts unauthorized security testing against the API.
Usage Analytics
Protects information about API usage patterns and performance.
Types of API Documentation to Protect
Reference Documentation
- Endpoint URLs and paths
- HTTP methods and headers
- Request parameters and body schemas
- Response formats and status codes
- Authentication requirements
Integration Guides
- Quick start tutorials
- SDK documentation
- Code samples and examples
- Best practices and patterns
- Migration guides
Technical Specifications
- OpenAPI/Swagger files
- GraphQL schemas
- WebSocket protocols
- gRPC service definitions
- Postman collections
Security Documentation
- OAuth 2.0 flow details
- API key management
- Token formats and lifetimes
- IP allowlisting procedures
- Encryption requirements
Sample: API Endpoint Protection Clause
// Example of protected API endpoint information POST /api/v2/transactions/process // This endpoint structure is Confidential Information Authorization: Bearer {access_token} // Token format and authentication flow are protected { "amount": 10000, "currency": "USD", "merchant_id": "mch_xxx" // Field names and data types reveal business logic } // Rate limit: 1000 req/min (capacity info is confidential) // Webhook: POST to callback_url on completion
Every element shown above - the endpoint path, authentication method, request schema, rate limits, and webhook behavior - represents confidential technical information that should be protected by your API NDA.
API Access Checklist
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