Confidentiality clause: Copy, customize, and use instantly
Introduction
A confidentiality clause protects sensitive information shared between parties during the course of an agreement. It sets out clear responsibilities for safeguarding proprietary data, trade secrets, and other confidential materials, ensuring trust and compliance.
Below are confidentiality clause templates tailored for various scenarios. Copy the one you need, customise it, and include it in your contract.
Standard confidentiality clause
This clause provides general confidentiality responsibilities suitable for most agreements.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all non-public, proprietary, or sensitive information disclosed by the other party under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Confidential Information may only be used for purposes directly related to this agreement and may not be disclosed to any third party without prior written consent. This obligation survives termination of this agreement for a period of [insert timeframe, e.g., “two years”].
Mutual confidentiality clause
This clause applies equal confidentiality responsibilities to both parties.
Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary, sensitive, or non-public information exchanged under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Confidential Information may only be used for purposes directly related to this agreement and may not be disclosed to any third party without the disclosing party’s prior written consent. These obligations remain in effect for [insert timeframe, e.g., “three years”] after termination of this agreement.
One-way confidentiality clause
This clause imposes confidentiality obligations on only one party.
The [receiving party] agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or non-public information disclosed by the [disclosing party] under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Confidential Information may only be used for the purposes specified in this agreement and must not be disclosed to any third party without prior written consent. This obligation remains in effect for [insert timeframe, e.g., “five years”].
Confidentiality with limited exceptions clause
This clause includes exceptions where disclosure is permitted.
Each party agrees to keep confidential all proprietary and sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Disclosure is permitted only (i) with prior written consent of the disclosing party, (ii) as required by law, or (iii) to employees, agents, or advisors who need to know the information for purposes of this agreement and are bound by similar confidentiality obligations. These obligations survive termination for [insert timeframe, e.g., “three years”].
Perpetual confidentiality clause
This clause imposes confidentiality obligations with no expiration.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary, sensitive, or non-public information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). The obligation to safeguard such information survives indefinitely, regardless of the termination or expiration of this agreement.
Confidentiality with return or destruction clause
This clause includes requirements to return or destroy confidential information upon termination.
Upon termination of this agreement, each party must return or destroy all materials containing the other party’s proprietary or sensitive information (“Confidential Information”), except where retention is required by law. Written confirmation of compliance with this provision must be provided within [insert timeframe, e.g., “30 days”]. The obligation to maintain confidentiality survives termination for [insert timeframe, e.g., “three years”].
Confidentiality with penalty for breach clause
This clause specifies penalties for unauthorized disclosure.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all non-public, proprietary, or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Any unauthorized disclosure of Confidential Information will result in liability for damages, including but not limited to [insert penalty, e.g., “$100,000 per breach”], in addition to equitable relief.
Confidentiality for third-party disclosures clause
This clause addresses confidentiality when third-party information is involved.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”), including information belonging to third parties. Such information must not be disclosed without the disclosing party’s prior written consent and must be used solely for the purposes of this agreement. This obligation survives termination for [insert timeframe, e.g., “two years”].
Confidentiality with internal use clause
This clause permits limited internal use of confidential information.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Confidential Information may only be used internally by employees, agents, or contractors who require access for purposes directly related to this agreement. This obligation survives termination for [insert timeframe, e.g., “five years”].
Confidentiality with arbitration clause
This clause ties confidentiality obligations to arbitration proceedings.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). In the event of a dispute, the arbitration process, including any materials disclosed therein, shall also remain confidential. This obligation survives termination indefinitely.
Confidentiality with geographic limitation clause
This clause restricts confidentiality obligations to a specific region or jurisdiction.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary and sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) within the jurisdiction of [insert region, e.g., “the United States”]. Disclosure outside this region is prohibited without prior written consent.
Confidentiality with multi-tier obligations clause
This clause differentiates confidentiality obligations based on the sensitivity of information.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary, sensitive, or non-public information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Confidential Information is categorized as (i) “Standard Confidential Information,” requiring general confidentiality protections, and (ii) “Highly Confidential Information,” requiring additional measures such as encryption or restricted access. These obligations survive for [insert timeframe, e.g., “five years”].
Confidentiality with carve-out for regulatory disclosures clause
This clause allows disclosure of confidential information to regulators when required.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary and sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”), except where disclosure is required by law or regulation. The disclosing party must provide advance notice of any such disclosure, unless prohibited by law.
Confidentiality with early termination clause
This clause outlines obligations if confidentiality terms are terminated early.
Either party may terminate the confidentiality obligations under this agreement by providing [insert timeframe] prior written notice, except with respect to trade secrets, which will remain protected indefinitely. All confidential materials must be returned or destroyed upon termination.
Confidentiality with damages cap clause
This clause limits damages for breaches of confidentiality.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Any liability arising from a breach of this clause is capped at [insert amount, e.g., “$100,000”] and excludes indirect or consequential damages, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Confidentiality with whistleblower protection clause
This clause protects whistleblowers who disclose confidential information under specific circumstances.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary and sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”), except where disclosure is made in good faith to a government authority as part of a lawful whistleblower action. Such disclosure will not be considered a breach of this agreement.
Confidentiality with defined term for trade secrets clause
This clause distinguishes trade secrets from other confidential information.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Trade secrets will remain protected indefinitely, while all other confidential information is subject to a confidentiality period of [insert timeframe, e.g., “three years”].
Confidentiality with third-party evaluation clause
This clause allows third-party experts to evaluate confidential information.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary and sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Disclosure to third-party experts is permitted solely for the purpose of evaluating the information, provided such experts are bound by confidentiality obligations consistent with this agreement.
Confidentiality with survival on assignment clause
This clause ensures confidentiality obligations continue after an assignment.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). If this agreement is assigned, the confidentiality obligations will bind the assignee and survive termination of the agreement for [insert timeframe, e.g., “five years”].
Confidentiality with future disclosure clause
This clause anticipates the need for confidentiality obligations on future disclosures.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary, sensitive, or non-public information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”), including any additional information disclosed in connection with the agreement after its effective date. This obligation survives termination for [insert timeframe, e.g., “three years”].
Confidentiality with reputational harm clause
This clause addresses reputational harm caused by breaches of confidentiality.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Any breach of confidentiality that results in reputational harm to the disclosing party will be subject to immediate injunctive relief and damages, including reputational damages as determined by a neutral arbitrator.
Confidentiality with data segregation clause
This clause ensures confidential information is stored separately to prevent inadvertent access.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary, sensitive, or non-public information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) and to store such information in a secure, segregated manner, separate from non-confidential materials. Access must be restricted to authorized personnel only.
Confidentiality with notice of breach clause
This clause requires immediate notification in case of a confidentiality breach.
Each party agrees to notify the other immediately upon discovering any unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). The notifying party must provide details of the breach and cooperate fully to mitigate any resulting harm.
Confidentiality with knowledge exclusion clause
This clause excludes information the receiving party already knows from confidentiality obligations.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary, sensitive, or non-public information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”), except for information that was already known to the receiving party before disclosure, as evidenced by written records.
Confidentiality with limited duration clause
This clause sets a specific, shorter duration for confidentiality obligations.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) for a period of [insert timeframe, e.g., “one year”] from the date of disclosure. After this period, the obligations under this clause will terminate.
Confidentiality with non-public disclosure requirement clause
This clause restricts disclosure to private settings only.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) and to ensure that any necessary disclosure is made only in non-public settings or secure environments.
Confidentiality with shared ownership clause
This clause clarifies joint ownership of certain confidential information.
Where proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) is jointly developed by the parties, both parties shall have equal ownership rights, provided that each maintains the confidentiality of the shared information as required under this agreement.
Confidentiality with purpose-limited use clause
This clause restricts the use of confidential information to a narrowly defined purpose.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) and to use such information solely for the specific purpose of [insert purpose, e.g., “developing a joint marketing plan”]. Any other use is strictly prohibited without prior written consent.
Confidentiality with retention exception clause
This clause allows limited retention of confidential information for legal or compliance purposes.
Each party agrees to return or destroy all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) upon termination, except where retention is required to comply with applicable laws or regulatory requirements. Retained information must remain subject to confidentiality obligations.
Confidentiality with future partnership clause
This clause anticipates potential future partnerships or projects involving confidential information.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) and acknowledges that such obligations will extend to any future collaborations or agreements between the parties involving the same or related information.
Confidentiality with dispute resolution linkage clause
This clause ties confidentiality obligations to a specific dispute resolution process.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Any disputes regarding the scope or breach of confidentiality obligations will be resolved exclusively through [insert dispute resolution method, e.g., “binding arbitration”].
Confidentiality with discovery materials exclusion clause
This clause excludes court-ordered discovery materials from confidentiality obligations.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”), except where such information is disclosed as part of a court-ordered discovery process. The disclosing party must be notified promptly of any such disclosures.
Confidentiality with exclusivity clause
This clause ensures the information is not shared with competitors.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) and not to disclose such information to any competitors or entities engaged in competing activities during the term of this agreement and for [insert timeframe] thereafter.
Confidentiality with enhanced trade secret protection clause
This clause provides specific protections for trade secrets beyond standard confidentiality obligations.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary, sensitive, or non-public information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”), including trade secrets. Trade secrets must be protected with enhanced measures, including encryption, restricted access, and regular monitoring to prevent unauthorized use or disclosure
Confidentiality with force majeure exemption clause
This clause exempts breaches of confidentiality caused by uncontrollable events.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). However, breaches caused directly by force majeure events, such as natural disasters or cyberattacks beyond the control of the receiving party, will not constitute a violation of this agreement.
Confidentiality with public acknowledgment clause
This clause limits public acknowledgment of the agreement or its terms.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) and further agrees not to publicly disclose or acknowledge the existence or terms of this agreement without prior written consent from the other party.
Confidentiality with layered disclosure clause
This clause allows disclosure to limited audiences based on sensitivity levels.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Confidential Information may only be disclosed on a “need-to-know” basis, with access tiers determined by the disclosing party based on sensitivity levels.
Confidentiality with sunset clause
This clause allows confidentiality obligations to end after a fixed time, even for trade secrets.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) for a period of [insert timeframe, e.g., “10 years”], after which all obligations under this clause will terminate, including for trade secrets.
Confidentiality with multi-party agreement clause
This clause is tailored for agreements involving more than two parties.
All parties to this agreement agree to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed by any other party (“Confidential Information”). Disclosures between parties are permitted only with prior written consent from the original disclosing party.
Confidentiality with certification of destruction clause
This clause requires certification when confidential materials are destroyed.
Each party agrees to destroy all materials containing the other party’s proprietary or sensitive information (“Confidential Information”) upon termination of this agreement and must provide a written certification of destruction within [insert timeframe, e.g., “30 days”].
Confidentiality with limited liability for unintentional breaches clause
This clause reduces liability for unintentional confidentiality breaches.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Unintentional breaches will result in liability only to the extent of actual damages incurred, provided the breaching party promptly mitigates the disclosure.
Confidentiality with carve-out for aggregated data clause
This clause allows use of aggregated, non-identifiable data.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”), except for aggregated data that does not identify the disclosing party or its clients. Such aggregated data may be used for internal analysis or reporting.
Confidentiality with reverse engineering prohibition clause
This clause specifically forbids reverse engineering of disclosed information.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) and not to reverse engineer, decompile, or otherwise attempt to derive the underlying methodologies of any Confidential Information.
Confidentiality with pre-disclosure approval clause
This clause requires prior approval before confidential information is disclosed, even to employees.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). The receiving party must obtain written approval from the disclosing party before sharing Confidential Information with any employee, contractor, or agent.
Confidentiality with equitable relief clause
This clause explicitly provides for equitable relief in case of breach.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Any breach of this clause will entitle the non-breaching party to seek equitable relief, including injunctive relief, in addition to any other remedies available at law or in equity.
Confidentiality with historical information exclusion clause
This clause excludes historical data from confidentiality obligations.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”), except for information that predates the effective date of this agreement and is not explicitly identified as confidential.
Confidentiality with access tracking clause
This clause mandates tracking of access to confidential information.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). The receiving party must implement access-tracking mechanisms to record when and by whom Confidential Information is accessed.
Confidentiality with jurisdiction-specific requirements clause
This clause adapts confidentiality obligations to jurisdictional laws.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in the jurisdiction of [insert jurisdiction]. The disclosing party may require additional protections where necessary.
Confidentiality with third-party notification clause
This clause requires notifying the disclosing party before sharing information with third parties.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Before sharing any Confidential Information with a third party, the receiving party must notify the disclosing party and obtain written consent.
Confidentiality with independent investigation clause
This clause excludes information discovered independently from confidentiality obligations.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”), except for information independently discovered or developed by the receiving party without reference to the disclosing party’s Confidential Information.
Confidentiality with ethical use clause
This clause limits the use of confidential information to ethical purposes only.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) and to use such information only for lawful and ethical purposes directly related to this agreement. Any misuse will be considered a material breach.
Confidentiality with educational disclosure clause
This clause allows limited use of confidential information for academic purposes.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”), except for disclosures made for educational or research purposes, provided the information is anonymized and prior written consent is obtained.
Confidentiality with risk-sharing clause
This clause shares the risks of breaches between the parties.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). In the event of a breach caused by a third-party cyberattack, both parties will equally share the costs of mitigation unless otherwise specified.
Confidentiality with phased obligation clause
This clause modifies confidentiality obligations in phases over time.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). The obligation to maintain confidentiality will lessen after [insert timeframe], limiting protection to trade secrets and other critical information.
Confidentiality with preemptive disclosure clause
This clause allows proactive disclosures under specific conditions.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”), except where the receiving party reasonably anticipates a legal or regulatory inquiry. The disclosing party must be notified before such disclosure.
Confidentiality with time-critical obligation clause
This clause emphasizes immediate action in case of potential breaches.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) and to take immediate corrective action, including notifying the disclosing party within [insert timeframe, e.g., “24 hours”], upon discovery of any potential breach.
Confidentiality with bespoke retention clause
This clause customizes retention periods for specific categories of information.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Retention periods for Confidential Information will be determined based on the category of data, as outlined in [insert attachment or schedule].
Confidentiality with intellectual property harmonization clause
This clause ensures confidentiality obligations align with intellectual property laws.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) and to ensure that all disclosures are consistent with applicable intellectual property protections under the laws of [insert jurisdiction].
Confidentiality with no publicity clause
This clause prohibits parties from publicizing their relationship or terms.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) and further agrees not to publicize the existence or terms of this agreement without prior written consent.
Confidentiality with dynamic amendment clause
This clause allows confidentiality obligations to adapt to changing circumstances.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). The parties may mutually agree to amend confidentiality obligations as circumstances evolve, with all amendments documented in writing.
Confidentiality with enhanced technological safeguards clause
This clause imposes specific technological protections for confidential information.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) using advanced technological safeguards, including multi-factor authentication, encryption, and regular system audits.
Confidentiality with shared storage systems clause
This clause regulates the use of shared storage systems for confidential information.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Any shared storage system used must be approved by the disclosing party and configured to restrict unauthorized access.
Confidentiality with monitoring obligation clause
This clause requires the receiving party to actively monitor for potential confidentiality breaches.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). The receiving party must implement monitoring systems to identify and mitigate potential breaches, reporting any issues to the disclosing party immediately.
Confidentiality with knowledge sharing exclusion clause
This clause allows confidentiality obligations to exclude shared knowledge developed during the agreement.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”), excluding information collaboratively developed during the term of this agreement, which may be used by both parties for agreed purposes.
Confidentiality with financial penalty escalation clause
This clause increases financial penalties for repeated breaches.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). For each subsequent breach by the receiving party, financial penalties will escalate by [insert percentage] to deter further violations.
Confidentiality with sub-contractor flow-down clause
This clause extends confidentiality obligations to sub-contractors.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Any sub-contractors engaged by the receiving party must be bound by confidentiality obligations equivalent to those outlined in this agreement.
Confidentiality with mandatory encryption clause
This clause mandates encryption for storing and transmitting confidential information.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) by using encryption for both storage and transmission. Any unencrypted handling constitutes a breach of this agreement
Confidentiality with minimal retention policy clause
This clause ensures confidential information is not retained longer than necessary.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) and to adopt a minimal retention policy, destroying all information promptly after its purpose is fulfilled.
Confidentiality with automated protection measures clause
This clause requires automated systems to safeguard confidential information.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) and to implement automated protection measures, such as access controls and activity logging, to prevent unauthorized use.
Confidentiality with resource-specific restriction clause
This clause limits access to confidential information to specific resources.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) and to restrict access to such information to named individuals or resources approved by the disclosing party.
Confidentiality with partnership exclusivity clause
This clause limits the use of confidential information to an exclusive partnership.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”) and to use such information solely within the context of this exclusive partnership. Sharing with competitors or outside entities is prohibited.
Confidentiality with fixed periodic audits clause
This clause requires regular audits to ensure compliance with confidentiality terms.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). The disclosing party may conduct fixed periodic audits, at intervals of [insert timeframe], to ensure compliance with confidentiality obligations.
Confidentiality with employee-level designation clause
This clause allows designation of specific employees as authorized handlers of confidential information.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Only employees designated in writing by the receiving party as authorized handlers may access the Confidential Information.
Confidentiality with expiration of enforcement rights clause
This clause limits the timeframe during which confidentiality breaches can be enforced.
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information disclosed under this agreement (“Confidential Information”). Any claims arising from a breach of confidentiality must be initiated within [insert timeframe, e.g., “two years”] of the breach.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.