A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is a legally binding contract that helps protect the intellectual property and confidential information shared between parties involved in a business transaction, such as a Software Author and a Software Publisher. In West Virginia, there are a few specific types of NDA that can be used in this context. One of the common types is the Unilateral Non-Disclosure Agreement, where only one party (usually the Software Author) discloses confidential information to the other party (i.e., the Software Publisher). This agreement ensures that the Software Publisher agrees not to disclose or use the confidential information for any purpose other than what is specified within the agreement. Another type is the Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement, which is used when both the Software Author and the Software Publisher intend to share confidential information with each other. This agreement offers equal protection to both parties, ensuring that neither party can disclose nor use the shared confidential information without explicit consent from the other party. The contents of a typical West Virginia Non-Disclosure Agreement between Software Author and Software Publisher may include the following key elements: 1. Definitions: Clearly define terms such as "confidential information," "disclosing party," and "receiving party" to avoid any potential misunderstandings. 2. Purpose: Explain the purpose of the agreement, which is to protect the confidentiality of information shared between the parties. 3. Confidential Information: Outline in detail what information is considered confidential and should be protected, including source code, schematics, client lists, pricing models, trade secrets, and any other proprietary information. 4. Obligations: Define the obligations of both parties, stating that the receiving party has a duty to handle the disclosed information with utmost care, maintaining its secrecy and not disclosing it to any unauthorized third parties. 5. Non-Use and Non-Disclosure: Specify that the receiving party is not allowed to use the confidential information for any purpose other than what is agreed upon and that disclosure of information should only be made to authorized individuals who have signed similar non-disclosure agreements. 6. Term and Termination: Establish the duration of the confidentiality obligations and the conditions under which the agreement can be terminated. 7. Remedies: Describe the remedies available to the disclosing party in case of a breach, including injunctive relief, monetary damages, or any other appropriate legal actions. 8. Governing Law: State that the agreement will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of West Virginia. 9. Entire Agreement: Stipulate that the NDA constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior oral or written agreements. It is important to note that while this provides a general overview of a West Virginia Non-Disclosure Agreement between Software Author and Software Publisher, it is always advisable to consult an attorney or legal professional to ensure compliance with specific state laws and to tailor the agreement to meet the unique needs of the parties involved.