As a general matter, you should not make substantive changes to any of the forms included in the Startup Forms Library without checking with your legal counsel. We are constantly improving and updating our forms to keep up with developments in the law and in what's "standard" in the market. As such, you should check here periodically to determine whether you have the latest forms available.
This form is designed to be used by the Company after initial consultation with counsel. Every employee and consultant (i.e., every service provider) should sign one, although there are different forms for use by employees vs. consultants. The Company should keep these in the person’s personnel file. Make sure it is filled out completely, including the Exhibits at the end of the document. If there is nothing to disclose on the Exhibit, have the person check the appropriate line and sign the Exhibit as well as the main agreement signature page. This is critical and will be the subject of careful due diligence by any serious investors.
Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement for ConsultantsSee employee version above. This is the same agreement, but tailored for consultants.
Nondisclosure Agreement (Mutual)This is a mutual nondisclosure agreement, meaning that it applies equally to both parties and requires both to keep the other's information confidential, etc. This is a relatively standard form designed to be used in routine situations where a mutual NDA is required. It is not sufficient for a significant transaction like selling the entire business, but it is generally appropriate for meeting with potential investors, potential strategic partners or potential service providers who have not yet joined the Company and signed the full blown Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement. This will enable the Company to have fairly high level discussions with third parties and share high level information about the Company’s business plan and strategic direction. It is important to check with counsel in each instance to ensure that this is the right form for the particular information you intend to share.