Nondisclosure, secrecy, or confidential disclosure agreements are used to protect information that is not generally known to the public and may have economic or other value. These types of agreements are commonly used when industry shares trade secret information with universities. Use of nondisclosure agreements between universities are becoming more frequently used to protect third party confidential information or information relating to intellectual property that has not yet been patented. Nondisclosure agreements require specified confidential information to be kept secret—and to be protected. A nondisclosure agreement may restrict publication, as well as the use of specified data, or require pre-publication review for a period of time. Care must be taken that students not be exposed to materials that could compromise their ability to publish theses or dissertations.
The University makes every effort to ensure timely dissemination of research findings. Typically UA allows no more than 30 to 60 days, less if possible, for pre-publication review to ensure protection of confidential information. Unless special circumstances are present and the researcher approves, a publication delay of longer than 60 days is not accepted.
Nondisclosure agreements:
* Require that specified confidential information be kept secret
* Require protection of confidential information
* Restrict publication
* Restrict use of specified data
* May assert claim to intellectual property developed using the confidential information
At the University of Alaska, faculty and staff may not sign nondisclosure agreements. All nondisclosure agreements are reviewed and signed by the Director of Intellectual Property and Licensing. Prior to having a nondisclosure agreement signed, you must have an approved plan for maintaining the secrecy of the material the agreement covers. Complete the UA Technology Control Plan and send it to Diane.McLean@alaska.edu for review and approval. If you are a UAF employee, please send your completed form to Kelly Hochstetler, Quality Improvement Program Manager, at fnkjh1@uaf.edu or 474-7832. Please contact us for assistance if you are asked to sign a nondisclosure agreement or if you need to use one.
