Use a confidentiality (or nondisclosure) agreement if you're worried that your employees have access to confidential information -- known as trade secrets -- that could potentially harm your business should your employees use it for their own gain, or disclose it to business rivals.

Use this agreement to protect a secret design, and idea for a new website, financial information...and more.

Important to Know:

• A nondisclosure agreement is only part of the solution -- you must also take steps to restrict access to the information you want kept secret.
• It's best to have a new employee sign a nondisclosure agreement immediately. If you want a current employee to sign a nondisclosure agreement, you will probably need to provide an incentive, such as a raise or promotion.
• If you want to create a nondisclosure agreement that applies to vendors and independent contractors, turn to Nolo's book, Nondisclosure Agreements.