A patent non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a legally binding agreement that prohibits parties from disclosing confidential information related to a patent. It is a type of contract that protects the inventor`s intellectual property from being shared with unauthorized persons or entities.

Patent NDAs are typically used in business settings where a company or individual seeks to share sensitive information with a third-party, such as a potential investor, manufacturer or licensee. By signing an NDA, the third-party agrees to keep the information confidential and use it only for the purpose specified in the agreement.

The information that is protected under a patent NDA can include technical drawings, schematics, prototypes and other materials related to the invention. It can also include trade secrets, business plans, financial information, and customer lists.

An NDA can be unilateral or mutual. A unilateral NDA is when only one party agrees to keep the information confidential, while a mutual NDA requires all parties to maintain confidentiality.

Patent NDAs are essential for protecting trade secrets and other intellectual property. Without an NDA in place, the confidential information related to a patent may be disclosed and used by competitors. This can reduce the value of the invention and compromise its potential for commercial success.

It is important to note that a patent NDA does not guarantee protection against infringement of a patent. To secure a patent from infringement, the inventor must apply for a patent with the relevant intellectual property office, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

In summary, a patent non-disclosure agreement is a legal contract that protects confidential information related to a patent. It is essential for inventors and businesses seeking to share sensitive information with third parties. By signing an NDA, the parties agree to maintain confidentiality and use the information only for the purpose specified in the agreement.