An Intern Non-Disclosure Agreement is a legally binding contract that prevents interns from disclosing confidential information learned during their internship.
Due to the vague status of interns, companies dealing with confidential or classified information (trade secrets, manufacturing protocols, copyrights, marketing methods) should implement a legally binding intern non-disclosure agreement between themselves and interns.
This special type of non-disclosure agreement prevents interns from discussing or selling confidential information they learned while working within any department or area of a company.
How To Write
Follow this step-by-step when writing an internship NDA:
Step 1 – Full Names of Parties Signing the Intern NDA
The first part of the agreement outlines the intern’s name, the company for which the intern will be working, and the parties’ signatures agreeing to the NDA.
Step 2 – Details of Company Information Protected by the Intern NDA
List all types of confidential information the intern cannot disclose during and after their internship.
Step 3 – Length of Time the Intern Is Bound by the NDA
This can vary from several months to several years.
Step 4 – Non-Compete Clause
Non-compete clauses specify how long an intern cannot directly or indirectly compete with a company following the end of their internship. Alternatively, you could use a non-compete agreement.
Step 5 – Legal Statutes Regarding Intern NDAs
Short description of NDA laws in the state in which the agreement is signed
Step 6 – Consequences of Breaching the Intern Non-Disclosure Agreement
Describes what the company could do legally if the intern is found to have breached the agreement.
When To Use
Interns often must be exposed to the company’s confidential information or “insider” secrets to obtain knowledge and experience pertinent to their educational or career goals. Any time a company knows or presumes an intern may learn confidential information, that company should utilize an intern NDA.
A prime example of interns mandated to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) involves congressional interns working for senators, representatives, and other government employees.
Unless they agree to sign an intern NDA, they cannot work as interns for US congressional politicians.
An intern is an unpaid or paid individual who gains on-the-job experience by working temporarily for a company, usually under the supervision of a company employee. Although an intern is typically not legitimate company employee, they could be considered an employee if certain aspects of their internship meet the criteria described in the Fair Labor Standards Act.
What To Include
To ensure the legality of an intern NDA, the agreement should include the following:
- Names of all parties involved (company name, supervisor, intern’s name)
- A section describing what the company means when referring to confidential information (intellectual property, trade secrets, future product development, financial records, and any other proprietary knowledge the intern may learn while working at the company)
- Non-disclosure prohibitions, such as making copies of confidential information or using confidential information for commercial purposes
- Dates indicating how long the NDA remains a legal contract between the intern and the company
- Circumstances that give the intern immunity from liability (if applicable)
Sample
Below, you can download an internship NDA template in PDF or Word format:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, companies are legally entitled to request interns to sign NDAs. By signing the NDA, interns acknowledge their responsibility to maintain strict confidentiality and avoid disclosing sensitive details. This agreement protects intellectual property and provides the company with legal remedies in case of any breaches. It is important for both parties to carefully review the NDA’s terms and seek legal advice if necessary.Is it legal for a company to ask interns to sign an NDA?
An NDA is an important legal document that interns are often required to sign. The primary reason for this is the access interns typically have to sensitive and proprietary company information. The NDA safeguards the company by legally prohibiting the intern from disclosing such confidential information to third parties. This protective measure ensures that the company’s unique knowledge and strategies remain secure, even if the intern later works with a competitor.Why must interns sign an NDA?