Free Cleaning Services Non-Disclosure Agreement Template
Cleaning Services Non-Disclosure Agreement
I. The Parties
This Cleaning Services Non-Disclosure Agreement hereinafter referred to as the ("Agreement”) is entered into on [Month Day, Year] by and between [Your Company Name] with its principal place of business at [Your Company Address], hereinafter referred to as the (“Disclosing Party”), and [Employee’s Name] residing at [Employee’s Address], hereinafter referred to as the (“Receiving Party”), collectively referred to as the (''Parties").
WHEREAS, the Disclosing Party recognizes the critical need to protect its proprietary information and maintain confidentiality.
WHEREAS, the Receiving Party acknowledges the sensitive nature of the information they will access during their employment.
WHEREAS, the cleaning services industry necessitates strict adherence to confidentiality measures due to the unique challenges it presents.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:
II. Purpose of Disclosure
The Confidential Information is to be disclosed solely for discussing and exploring the possibility of a business relationship between the Parties:
A. Business Relationship Exploration
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Initial Discussions: The Confidential Information serves as a foundation for initial discussions between the Disclosing Party and the Receiving Party. These discussions may include potential collaboration, joint ventures, or other business arrangements.
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Assessing Compatibility: By sharing relevant information, both parties can assess their compatibility, alignment of goals, and mutual interests. This exploration phase helps determine whether a long-term business relationship is viable.
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Risk Assessment: Understanding the Confidential Information allows the Receiving Party to evaluate the associated risks and benefits. It enables informed decision-making regarding the feasibility of entering into a business relationship.
B. Mutual Trust and Transparency
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Building Trust: The disclosure of Confidential Information demonstrates transparency and trust between the Parties. It signifies a willingness to share critical details necessary for informed negotiations.
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Informed Decision-Making: Armed with this information, both parties can make informed decisions regarding the potential collaboration. Transparency fosters an environment of openness and mutual respect.
C. Exploring Synergies
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Identifying Opportunities: The Confidential Information provides insights into each party’s strengths, capabilities, and unique offerings. It allows for the identification of synergies—areas where collaboration can lead to mutual growth and success.
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Resource Allocation: Understanding the resources available to each party—whether it’s skilled personnel, equipment, or specialized knowledge—facilitates resource allocation planning for future endeavors.
III. Confidential Information
For the purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” shall encompass a comprehensive array of non-public data but not limited to:
A. Customer Data
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Customer Lists: These include the names, addresses, and contact information of our valued clients. Such data is integral to our business operations and must remain confidential.
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Service History: Details about the services provided to each customer, including cleaning schedules, preferences, and any special requirements, fall under the umbrella of Confidential Information.
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Pricing Structure: Our pricing models, rates, and any customized pricing agreements with clients are sensitive and proprietary.
B. Cleaning Techniques and Strategies
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Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): These step-by-step instructions for various cleaning tasks are essential for maintaining consistency and quality. SOPs are confidential and should not be disclosed externally.
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Specialized Techniques: Proprietary cleaning methods, such as stain removal, surface disinfection, and eco-friendly practices, contribute to our competitive edge. These techniques are confidential and must not be shared beyond our organization.
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Equipment Specifications: Information about the cleaning equipment we use, including specifications, maintenance procedures, and safety guidelines, falls within the scope of Confidential Information.
C. Third-Party Relationships
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Supplier and Vendor Details: Our partnerships with suppliers and vendors are crucial for sourcing cleaning supplies, tools, and materials. These relationships are confidential and should not be disclosed to external parties.
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Contractual Agreements: Any agreements or contracts with third parties—such as subcontractors, maintenance companies, or waste disposal services—must remain confidential.
IV. Obligations and Restrictions
A. Permitted Purpose
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Sole Use: The Receiving Party shall use the Confidential Information solely for the purpose of discussing and exploring potential business relationships related to our cleaning services.
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No Unauthorized Use: Any use beyond the Permitted Purpose is strictly prohibited. The Receiving Party shall not exploit the Confidential Information for personal gain or any other unauthorized activities.
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Business Relationship Context: The Receiving Party must always consider the context of a potential business relationship when accessing or discussing the Confidential Information.
B. Confidentiality Obligations
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Strict Confidentiality: The Receiving Party shall maintain strict confidentiality regarding all aspects of the Confidential Information. This obligation extends beyond the duration of their engagement with the Company.
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Limited Disclosure: The Receiving Party shall not disclose any Confidential Information to third parties, including competitors, contractors, or other external entities.
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Written Consent: If disclosure to a third party becomes necessary (e.g., for collaboration purposes), the Receiving Party must obtain written consent from the Disclosing Party beforehand.
C. Safeguarding Measures
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Reasonable Safeguards: The Receiving Party agrees to implement reasonable measures to safeguard the Confidential Information. These measures include secure storage, restricted access, and protection against theft, loss, or unauthorized access.
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Physical and Digital Security: Whether in physical or digital form, the Confidential Information must be kept secure. This includes password protection, encryption, and restricted access to relevant personnel.
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Prompt Reporting: In the event of any suspected breach or unauthorized access, the Receiving Party shall promptly report it to the Disclosing Party.
V. Exceptions
A. Information Already Known
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Prior Knowledge: If the Receiving Party already possesses the same information independently, it does not fall under the Confidential Information. This exception applies when the Receiving Party had prior knowledge of the disclosed information before entering into this Agreement.
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Pre-Existing Data: If the information was already part of the Receiving Party’s existing knowledge base or was publicly available, it is not subject to the confidentiality obligations outlined herein.
B. Public Knowledge
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No Fault of the Receiving Party: Information that becomes public knowledge through no fault of the Receiving Party is exempt. This includes situations where the information is widely disseminated without any involvement from the Receiving Party.
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External Sources: If the Confidential Information becomes publicly accessible through legitimate channels (e.g., published articles, public announcements), the Receiving Party is not bound by confidentiality obligations regarding that specific information.
C. Independent Development
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Receiving Party’s Independent Creation: If the Receiving Party independently develops similar information without relying on our Confidential Information, it is not subject to this Agreement. This exception recognizes the Receiving Party’s ability to create similar knowledge through their own efforts.
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No Reference to Disclosing Party: The exemption applies when the Receiving Party’s development of similar information occurs without any reference to the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information. In such cases, the Receiving Party is free to use and disclose their independently created data.
VI. Duration
A. Commencement
The initial term of this Agreement shall be [2] years from the Effective Date stated herein.
B. Renewal
Upon expiration of the initial term, this Agreement may be renewed for subsequent terms by mutual agreement between the Parties. Each renewal term shall be for a duration of [1] year.
VII. Termination
A. Voluntary Termination
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Mutual Agreement: Both Parties may mutually agree to terminate this Agreement at any time.
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Notice Period: The terminating Party shall provide reasonable advance notice to the other Party before the intended termination date.
B. Breach of Agreement
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Material Breach: If either Party materially breaches any provision of this Agreement, the non-breaching Party may terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice.
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Remediation Period: The breaching Party shall have a reasonable period to remedy the breach upon receiving notice. If the breach is not remedied within this period, termination shall take effect.
C. Return of Confidential Information
Upon termination, all the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information in possession of the Receiving Party should be returned or destructed as directed by the Disclosing Party.
VIII. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
A. Applicable Laws
The laws of [State Name] shall govern the interpretation, validity, and enforcement of this Agreement. Any legal disputes arising from this Agreement shall be resolved in accordance with these state laws.
B. Exclusive Jurisdiction
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State Courts: Any disputes arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [State Name]. Both Parties consent to the personal jurisdiction of these courts.
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Venue: Legal proceedings related to this Agreement shall take place in the appropriate courts within [State Name].
C. Waiver of Forum Non Conveniens
The Parties expressly waive any right to assert forum non conveniens and agree that the state courts of [State Name] are the most convenient and appropriate forums for resolving any disputes related to this Agreement.
IX. Signature
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
Disclosing Party
[Authorized Representative Name]
[Your Company Name]
Date: [Month Day, Year]
Receiving Party
[Employee's Name]
Date: [Month Day, Year]