Syracuse University encourages the use of Nondisclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Confidentiality Agreements (CDAs) as appropriate. The Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) is authorized to negotiate and execute NDAs and CDAs, recongizing their importance in protecting intellectual property while facilitating discussions that may lead to future collaborations, industry-funded research, technology commercialization opportunities, and more.
An NDA/CDA is a contract that specifies the information to be kept confidential, and outlines how it can or cannot be used. It also states the purpose for the NDA/CDA, often in terms of potential long-term outcomes, such as when a company is evaluating whether a researcher’s expertise could complement its internal internal research and development goals.
When Syracuse University researchers are approached by a company or other entity about potentially sharing confidential data, new processes, or unpublished information, they should submit an NDA Request Form. Additionally, if a Syracuse University researcher wishes to initiate a conversation with an entity that would benefit from assurances of confidentiality, they should also submit an NDA Request Form.