Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Disclosure Agreement
I need a disclosure agreement to ensure confidentiality of proprietary information shared with a potential business partner during preliminary discussions, with a duration of 2 years and clear definitions of what constitutes confidential information.
What is a Disclosure Agreement?
A Disclosure Agreement protects sensitive business information when companies need to share trade secrets, client data, or proprietary technology. It creates a legal bond where one party agrees to keep the other's confidential information private, backed by South African common law and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
These agreements play a vital role in business deals, employment contracts, and corporate partnerships across the African continent. They spell out what information must stay private, how long the secrecy lasts, and what happens if someone breaks the rules. Most South African companies use them during negotiations, product development, and when bringing new employees on board.
When should you use a Disclosure Agreement?
Use a Disclosure Agreement before sharing any sensitive business information with potential partners, employees, or contractors in South Africa. This includes discussing new product designs, sharing customer databases, revealing financial data, or exploring possible mergers and acquisitions.
The agreement becomes essential when pitching ideas to investors, outsourcing development work, or bringing in consultants who need access to internal systems. Companies operating under POPIA and the Companies Act particularly need these agreements when handling personal information, trade secrets, or proprietary technology. Getting it signed early prevents unauthorized sharing and creates clear legal obligations for all parties.
What are the different types of Disclosure Agreement?
- Basic Confidentiality Agreement: Simple, straightforward protection for general business situations, ideal for small businesses and startups
- Mutual NDA: Both parties exchange confidential information and share equal obligations to protect each other's secrets
- Staff Confidentiality Agreement: Specifically designed for employees and contractors, covering workplace confidentiality and intellectual property
- Simple NDA: One-way agreement where only one party shares confidential information, perfect for initial business discussions
- Non Disclosure Agreement Confidentiality Agreement: Comprehensive version with detailed terms, suitable for complex business arrangements
Who should typically use a Disclosure Agreement?
- Business Owners and Entrepreneurs: Need Disclosure Agreements to protect their innovations, trade secrets, and business strategies when exploring partnerships or seeking investment
- Corporate Legal Teams: Draft and customize agreements to match specific business needs while ensuring POPIA compliance
- Tech Companies and Startups: Protect intellectual property and source code when working with developers, investors, or potential buyers
- HR Departments: Implement agreements for new employees and contractors who access sensitive company information
- Professional Service Providers: Including lawyers, accountants, and consultants who regularly handle confidential client information
How do you write a Disclosure Agreement?
- Identify Parties: Gather full legal names, registration numbers, and addresses of all parties involved in the agreement
- Define Information: List specific confidential information to be protected, including trade secrets, customer data, or intellectual property
- Set Time Frames: Determine how long the confidentiality obligations will last and when information sharing begins
- Specify Purpose: Clearly state why confidential information is being shared and how it may be used
- Draft Agreement: Use our platform to generate a legally compliant document that meets POPIA requirements and includes all essential elements
- Review Details: Check that all parties' roles, obligations, and permitted uses are clearly outlined before signing
What should be included in a Disclosure Agreement?
- Party Details: Full legal names, registration numbers, and physical addresses of all involved parties
- Confidential Information: Clear definition of what information is protected under POPIA and common law
- Duration Clause: Specific timeframe for confidentiality obligations and information sharing period
- Permitted Use: Explicit terms on how confidential information may be used and shared
- Security Measures: Required steps for protecting and storing confidential information
- Breach Consequences: Clear remedies and penalties for unauthorized disclosure
- Governing Law: Statement that South African law applies and jurisdiction for disputes
- Signature Block: Space for authorized representatives to sign and date
What's the difference between a Disclosure Agreement and an Access Agreement?
People often confuse a Disclosure Agreement with an Access Agreement, but they serve different purposes in South African business law. While both deal with information handling, their scope and application differ significantly.
- Primary Purpose: Disclosure Agreements focus on protecting confidential information and trade secrets, while Access Agreements control who can enter premises or use specific resources
- Legal Scope: Disclosure Agreements align with POPIA and intellectual property laws, whereas Access Agreements typically relate to physical security and property law
- Duration: Disclosure Agreements often extend years beyond the business relationship, but Access Agreements usually remain active only during the period of access
- Enforcement: Disclosure Agreements offer stronger remedies for breaches of confidentiality, including financial damages, while Access Agreements focus more on operational control and security protocols
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.