What to check before you sign an NDA (a practical checklist)
Most people sign an NDA by scrolling to the last page. That is how you agree to a five-year gag on information that was never confidential, or to a party name that is not your company. You do not need a law degree to do a two-minute review. Instant NDA is not a law firm — this is an operational checklist, not counsel.
1. The parties are actually you
Confirm legal names and the companies they represent. Signing as yourself when the conversation is on behalf of your employer (or the reverse) creates a mess later. Instant NDA pulls name, company, title, and email into the document so both sides see the same header before they sign.
2. Mutual or one-way — on purpose
If both of you might disclose, the paper should be mutual. If the form only binds you, ask why. The comparison is in mutual NDA vs. one-way.
3. What “confidential” includes — and excludes
A usable NDA defines confidential information and lists ordinary exclusions: information already public, already in your possession, independently developed, or required by law to disclose. If the definition is “everything we ever say,” push back or get advice. Everyday meeting NDAs should not pretend to cover the entire relationship.
4. How long it lasts
Look for a survival period after the meeting or after the relationship ends. Perpetual confidentiality on ordinary business discussions is a smell. Trade secrets can be treated differently from a pitch conversation; do not mix those without reading the sentence.
5. Residuals, non-solicit, and extras
Some forms sneak in non-solicit, non-compete, or IP assignment. That is no longer “just an NDA.” For a freelancer kickoff, see what belongs in the NDA vs. the services agreement. If you see extra covenants, pause.
6. You get a copy you can find later
A signed NDA you cannot produce is barely an NDA. Instant NDA emails a PDF to both parties when the session completes. Confirm the email addresses before you sign. If you use Instant NDA regularly, Pro and Team plans keep that flow from becoming a pile of one-off tools.
When the conversation is a standard first meeting, run the checklist, then sign in Instant NDA. When the conversation is a financing, an acquisition, or regulated data, talk to counsel.
This checklist is educational. Instant NDA does not provide legal advice. You are responsible for ensuring any agreement you sign meets your needs.