Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are useful legal documents that allow businesses to protect their intellectual property. These agreements typically detail confidential information (like trade secrets or plans for a new project) and state that the employee cannot reveal this information to anyone. While NDAs can be beneficial for businesses, some employees wonder whether they need to sign an NDA that their employer asks them to agree to. Read this blog to find out if employers can lawfully require workers to sign a non-disclosure agreement, and contact an Atlanta Non-Disclosure Agreement Attorney for high-quality legal counseling.
CAN EMPLOYERS REQUIRE THEIR EMPLOYEES TO SIGN A NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT IN GEORGIA?
Most of the time, it’s legal for an employer to require an employee to sign an NDA in Georgia. This is because businesses have a reasonable need to protect their private information. However, there are certain scenarios where a non-disclosure agreement can be unlawful. For example, employers cannot force employees to sign an NDA that gives the company a monopoly over an industry.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY EMPLOYER’S NDA IS VALID?
You’ll need to check state laws or hire an employment law attorney to figure out if the terms of an NDA are lawful. The rights of Georgian workers are protected by the state’s employment laws. A workplace agreement can also be determined to be invalid if the terms are unclear because the provisions cannot be open to interpretation. Do research if you feel an employment contract includes inappropriate terms. Ultimately, you can ask for help from a legal professional if you’re having trouble determining whether a non-disclosure agreement is valid.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I BREAK THE TERMS OF A VALID NDA?
This depends on the non-disclosure agreement that you signed. Most of the time, the NDA will list the possible penalties that you can face for violating your end of the agreement. One of the most common penalties is paying financial damages. Sometimes, the company will file a lawsuit against you for breach of contract. At the end of the day, a non-disclosure agreement is a legally-binding document, and violating a legal contract can have serious consequences.
Has your employer recently asked you to sign a non-disclosure agreement? Are you seeking an employment law attorney who has your best interests in mind? Look no further because Ben Barrett Law is here to fight for you! Contact our highly experienced team today for an initial consultation.