A South Carolina Confidentiality Agreement (Between Parties Contemplating a Transaction) is a legally binding document that ensures the protection of sensitive information shared between two or more parties considering entering into a business transaction. It helps maintain confidentiality during the negotiation and due diligence process, safeguarding proprietary knowledge, trade secrets, financial information, and other critical data. Key elements of this agreement include: 1. Parties Involved: The agreement identifies all parties, including individuals, companies, or organizations contemplating the transaction. It ensures that all parties are aware of their rights and obligations under the agreement. 2. Purpose: The agreement clearly states the purpose of sharing confidential information and specifies that it should solely be used for evaluating the potential transaction and nothing else. 3. Definition of Confidential Information: This section outlines the types of information considered confidential. It includes proprietary technology, customer lists, financial data, marketing strategies, business plans, formulas, designs, or any other data that the parties deem sensitive. 4. Obligations of Recipient: The recipient party acknowledges its responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of the disclosed information. It agrees to use the shared information exclusively for evaluating the transaction and not disclose it to any unauthorized third parties. 5. Non-Disclosure: The agreement outlines the restrictions on the recipient party's ability to disclose or distribute the confidential information to anyone outside the transaction. It emphasizes the need for written consent from the disclosing party for any exceptions to this rule. 6. Duration: The agreement sets a specific time period during which the confidentiality obligations remain in effect. This duration typically begins upon the signing of the agreement and continues for a predetermined period or until a specific event occurs, such as the termination of negotiations or the completion of the transaction. 7. Remedies: In case of a breach of the confidentiality agreement, remedies for both parties are identified. These can include injunctive relief, monetary damages, or any other appropriate legal action to protect the injured party's interests. Types of South Carolina Confidentiality Agreements (Between Parties Contemplating a Transaction): 1. Mutual Confidentiality Agreement: This type of agreement is signed when both parties involved in the potential transaction want to protect their respective confidential information during the negotiation process. 2. One-Way Confidentiality Agreement: In certain cases, only one party discloses confidential information, such as a seller providing sensitive financial records to a potential buyer. The one-way confidentiality agreement protects the disclosing party's information while allowing the recipient to evaluate the transaction. It's important to note that the specific terms and clauses of a South Carolina Confidentiality Agreement may vary based on the nature of the transaction and the parties involved. Parties are advised to seek legal counsel to ensure the agreement effectively protects their interests and complies with South Carolina laws.