Un pack de 24 prompts Claude structurés pour rédiger des redlines sur les 12 clauses les plus négociées d’un NDA. Chaque clause reçoit deux prompts : un prompt A pour le redline initial du brouillon de la contrepartie contre le playbook de la firme, et un prompt B pour rédiger une contre-position lorsque la contrepartie rejette votre redline. Les prompts sont calibrés pour s’ancrer dans le playbook NDA de la firme — sans ce playbook, le pack ne génère pas de positions, il signale les lacunes. Chaque output est un brouillon que le contracts manager ou le juriste interne examine et édite avant d’envoyer. Consultez votre conseil juridique sur toute position dans une clause avant de vous engager.
Les 12 clauses : périmètre de confidentialité, définition des informations confidentielles, exclusions des informations confidentielles, divulgations autorisées, retour ou destruction, residuals, non-sollicitation, propriété intellectuelle, loi applicable, mesures conservatoires, durée du NDA et survie des obligations de confidentialité.
Quand utiliser
La firme dispose d’un playbook NDA écrit avec des positions nommées par clause (préférée, acceptable, point de rupture). Sans le playbook, les prompts signalent chaque clause comme « le playbook ne couvre pas cela » plutôt que d’affirmer des positions.
Le volume de NDAs est suffisamment élevé pour que la cohérence entre négociations soit importante — typiquement plus de 10 révisions de NDA par trimestre.
Un contracts manager ou un paralégal effectue la première revue et escalade les éléments signalés au juriste interne, plutôt que le juriste revoyant chaque NDA de zéro.
Vous souhaitez que la revue détecte systématiquement les problèmes de canaux informels et de comptes personnels — ces prompts interrogent sur les residuals, la non-sollicitation et l’IP dans une structure NDA qui introduit souvent des clauses qu’une revue standard ne détecte pas.
Quand NE PAS utiliser
Structures NDA très novatrices ou complexes. Les NDAs de co-développement, les NDAs incluant des obligations d’exclusivité ou les NDAs liés à des processus de fusion-acquisition ont des dimensions stratégiques que les prompts ne couvrent pas. Ceux-là nécessitent un conseil juridique de zéro.
Remplacer la revue du conseil sur des opérations à enjeux élevés. Le pack est un outil de première passe pour le travail NDA en volume. Lorsque l’accord de l’autre côté du NDA est significatif — un client important, une contrepartie de fusion-acquisition, un partenariat stratégique — traitez l’output du pack comme un cadre de départ et faites compléter la revue par le conseil.
Envoi automatique de redlines. Le pack produit des brouillons ; le contracts manager envoie. Aucun output de ce pack ne va directement à une contrepartie sans revue et validation humaines.
NDAs non commerciaux. Les NDAs d’employés, les composantes NDA intégrées aux contrats de travail et les NDAs dans les secteurs régulés (santé, services financiers) ont des dimensions de conformité au-delà de la négociation commerciale. Consultez votre conseil juridique sur le processus de revue approprié.
Configuration
Téléchargez le bundle. Placez apps/web/public/artifacts/nda-clause-redline-prompt-pack/nda-clause-redline-prompt-pack.md à un endroit accessible à votre équipe contrats — une page Notion, un wiki interne ou les knowledge files d’un projet Claude.
Rédigez le playbook NDA de la firme. Pour chacune des 12 clauses du pack, documentez : position préférée, position acceptable, point de rupture et justification pour chaque niveau. Le playbook est l’ancre que les prompts citent ; sans lui, les prompts signalent des lacunes plutôt que de générer des positions. La rédaction du playbook est un projet unique — typiquement 8–15 heures de temps du conseil — qui s’amortit sur chaque révision NDA ultérieure.
Créez un projet Claude par négociation active. Nommez-le nda-<contrepartie>-<référence-dossier>. Ajoutez le playbook et le brouillon actuel de la contrepartie en project knowledge. Enregistrez les prompts du pack comme saved prompts dans le projet.
Exécutez les prompts A pour la première revue. Les prompts 1A à 12A couvrent le redline initial du brouillon de la contrepartie. Exécutez-les en séquence sur le premier brouillon reçu.
Exécutez les prompts B après la réponse de la contrepartie. Pour chaque clause où la contrepartie a rejeté votre redline, exécutez le prompt B correspondant. Les prompts B rédigent une contre-position ancrée dans le playbook.
Révisez et éditez avant d’envoyer. Le contracts manager est responsable du ton, du jugement et du texte final. Consultez votre conseil juridique sur toute clause avant de vous engager sur une position.
Ce que le pack contient
24 prompts répartis sur 12 clauses, organisés en paires A/B.
Niveau 1 — Cadre de confidentialité (clauses 1-4). Les prompts 1A/1B couvrent le périmètre de confidentialité (mutuel vs. unilatéral, exclusions standard). Les prompts 2A/2B couvrent la définition des informations confidentielles (couverture par catégories, délais de confirmation des divulgations orales). Les prompts 3A/3B couvrent les exclusions (les 4 carveouts standard : domaine public, connaissance préalable, développement indépendant, divulgation par un tiers). Les prompts 4A/4B couvrent les divulgations autorisées (employés avec besoin d’en connaître, conseillers professionnels, divulgation contrainte avec préavis).
Niveau 2 — Obligations et restrictions (clauses 5-8). Les prompts 5A/5B couvrent le retour ou la destruction (calendrier de certification, exceptions pour les systèmes de sauvegarde avec obligation continue). Les prompts 6A/6B couvrent les residuals (portée stricte de la « mémoire non assistée » vs. langage excessivement large d’« informations résiduelles intangibles » — une distinction qui a été plaidée dans des affaires de secrets commerciaux). Les prompts 7A/7B couvrent la non-sollicitation (mutuelle vs. unilatérale, exclusion du recrutement passif, sensibilité juridictionnelle). Les prompts 8A/8B couvrent la propriété intellectuelle dans un NDA (le principal mode de défaillance : cession d’IP apparaissant dans un contexte NDA où elle n’a pas sa place ; les prompts signalent cela comme hors périmètre et escaladent au conseil).
Niveau 3 — Mécanismes d’exécution (clauses 9-12). Les prompts 9A/9B couvrent la loi applicable (juridiction, règle de conflit de lois, implications sur l’opposabilité pour la non-sollicitation et les residuals). Les prompts 10A/10B couvrent les mesures conservatoires (reconnaissance du préjudice irréparable, dispense de caution, réciprocité). Les prompts 11A/11B couvrent la durée du NDA (durée, mécanisme de résiliation, renouvellement automatique). Les prompts 12A/12B couvrent la survie des obligations de confidentialité (période de survie générale pour les CI, carveout des secrets commerciaux in perpetuity, cadrage DTSA pour les NDAs soumis au droit américain).
Réalité des coûts
Coût en tokens par prompt : chaque invocation utilise environ 8 000–20 000 tokens d’entrée (playbook + brouillon de la contrepartie + instructions du prompt) et 500–1 500 tokens de sortie. Par prompt : $0,05–0,10 aux prix actuels de Claude ($3/M entrée, ~$15/M sortie).
Par révision NDA complète, première passe (12 prompts A) : ~$0,60–1,20.
Par révision NDA complète, cycle de vie complet incluant les prompts B pour les clauses contestées (typiquement 4–6 sur 12 reçoivent une réponse) : ~$1,50–2,50.
Temps du contracts manager / paralégal — l’économie de temps est le ROI principal. Une première revue manuelle d’un NDA de contrepartie contre un playbook prend 60–90 minutes pour un paralégal et 30–45 minutes pour un contracts manager expérimenté. Avec les prompts A plus revue de l’output : 15–25 minutes par NDA. Sur 40 révisions NDA par trimestre, cela représente 30–40 heures économisées par trimestre.
Temps de configuration — 15–30 minutes une fois le playbook existant. La rédaction du playbook est le coût unique contraignant (8–15 heures de temps du conseil) ; il est réutilisé pour chaque NDA, chaque contrat fournisseur avec annexe NDA et chaque accord de confidentialité M&A.
Spellbook intègre la revue NDA directement dans Word et peut appliquer des redlines ancrés dans le playbook dans le document. Si votre équipe contrats travaille entièrement dans Word et préfère des redlines dans le document plutôt que des outputs Claude à copier dans Word, l’UX in-document de Spellbook est plus rapide. Le compromis : Spellbook requiert une licence et est limité à sa couverture de clauses intégrée. Ce pack de prompts n’a pas de coût de licence par utilisateur et couvre une logique de clauses que le contracts manager peut inspecter et modifier.
Indicateurs de succès
Délai entre la réception du brouillon de la contrepartie et l’envoi des redlines de la firme. Devrait passer de 3–5 jours ouvrés à 1–2 jours ouvrés pour les révisions NDA standard.
Taux d’escalade par clause. Part des clauses par NDA nécessitant une revue du conseil au-delà de la validation du contracts manager. Devrait se stabiliser à 1–3 clauses par NDA après le premier trimestre d’utilisation.
Précision des citations du playbook. Lors de la revue trimestrielle, vérifiez que chaque position citée par le pack depuis le playbook apparaît bien dans le playbook au niveau cité (préférée/acceptable/point de rupture).
vs alternatives
vs Spellbook ou modules de revue NDA de Harvey. Ces outils appliquent le redline IA dans Word avec intégration du playbook de la firme. Choisissez-les si l’interface principale de l’équipe contrats est Word et si le coût de licence par utilisateur est dans le budget. Ce pack est le bon choix si vous souhaitez une visibilité complète sur la logique des prompts, si vous avez besoin de couvrir une logique de clauses que ces outils n’exposent pas, ou si vous faites du travail NDA en faible volume qui ne justifie pas une licence par utilisateur.
vs ChatGPT-style « rédige les redlines de ce NDA contre ce playbook ». Un prompt générique retourne des commentaires au niveau du paragraphe. Ces prompts sont structurellement différents : output par clause avec niveau du playbook cité, langage de remplacement spécifique, sections explicites « choses à éviter » qui protègent contre des modes de défaillance spécifiques.
vs revue manuelle par un paralégal. Adapté aux NDAs les plus importants où le jugement stratégique du conseil domine chaque clause. Le pack amortit ses coûts de configuration sur le travail NDA commercial à fort volume.
Watch-outs
Dérive du playbook. Les prompts citent les positions du playbook explicitement ; si le playbook est mis à jour sans actualiser les project knowledge files de Claude, les prompts produisent des citations obsolètes. Guard : les prompts signalent « le playbook ne couvre pas cela » lorsqu’une clause n’est pas dans le playbook plutôt qu’inventer une position.
Opposabilité spécifique à la juridiction. La non-sollicitation, les residuals et la loi applicable ont des implications d’opposabilité spécifiques à la juridiction que les prompts signalent mais ne peuvent pas résoudre. Guard : les prompts pour la non-sollicitation (7A/7B), la loi applicable (9A/9B) et les residuals (6A/6B) incluent des marqueurs d’escalade explicites vers le conseil pour les positions sensibles à la juridiction.
Cession d’IP masquée en clause NDA. Les contreparties insèrent parfois des formulations de cession d’IP dans les templates NDA. Cela sort du périmètre de ce qu’un contracts manager devrait négocier dans un NDA. Guard : le prompt 8A signale explicitement ce pattern et escalade vers le conseil plutôt que de générer un contre-redline.
Dérive d’envoi automatique. Le pack produit des brouillons. Guard : aucun des prompts ne produit un output formaté comme un e-mail prêt à l’envoi. L’output est toujours un brouillon de redline ou une analyse, nécessitant une action explicite du contracts manager pour le convertir en format d’envoi.
Stack
Le bundle se trouve dans apps/web/public/artifacts/nda-clause-redline-prompt-pack/ :
nda-clause-redline-prompt-pack.md — les 24 prompts, prêts à coller
Outils : Claude pour les prompts ; Spellbook comme alternative in-Word si votre équipe préfère le redline dans le document. L’output s’intègre au format redline Word, votre CLM ou dans le fil de négociation.
Connexe : le MSA negotiation prompt pack couvre un workflow de négociation MSA plus large incluant la gestion des positions de repli et la lecture de la posture de la contrepartie.
# NDA Clause Redline — Prompt Pack for Claude
Twelve paired prompts for redlining the most-negotiated NDA clauses. Each pair covers the same clause from two angles: (A) redline the counterparty's draft against your firm's position, and (B) draft a counter-position when the counterparty pushes back on your redline. Paste directly into a Claude project loaded with your firm's NDA playbook and the counterparty's draft. Edit before sending — these are drafts, not final positions. Consult counsel on any clause before committing to a position.
## How to use this pack
1. Create a Claude project named `nda-<counterparty>-<matter-id>`.
2. Add as project knowledge: your firm's NDA playbook (preferred / acceptable / walk-away per clause), your standard NDA template, and the counterparty's draft.
3. Save each prompt below as a saved prompt within the project.
4. For a first-pass review, run the A-prompts (initial redline) on the counterparty's draft.
5. After the counterparty responds to your redlines, run the B-prompts (counter-position) for each clause where they pushed back.
6. Edit every output before sending. The contracts manager and/or counsel owns voice and judgment.
## NDA playbook input shape
The pack anchors against a playbook with this structure (one entry per clause):
```yaml
clause: confidentiality_scope
preferred:
position: "Mutual; covers all non-public information disclosed in connection with the Purpose; excludes: public domain, independently developed, received from third party without restriction."
rationale: "Mutual protection is standard at our scale; standard exclusions are non-negotiable."
acceptable:
position: "Mutual with a 'residuals' carveout for general skills and knowledge retained in unaided memory."
rationale: "Residuals clauses are common in tech; acceptable if narrowly scoped to unaided memory."
walk_away:
position: "One-way NDA that protects only the counterparty, OR scope so broad it covers information that is publicly known."
rationale: "One-way terms create untenable asymmetry when we are sharing technical information."
notes: "Counterparties often open with one-way NDA on their template; first redline is always to mutual."
```
---
# Clause 1 — Confidentiality scope
## 1A. Redline counterparty's confidentiality scope
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney redlining an NDA for the receiving firm.
Context: The firm's NDA playbook is loaded as project knowledge. The
counterparty's NDA draft is loaded as project knowledge.
Input: The confidentiality scope clause (or the full NDA draft — the
model should locate the scope clause).
Task: Evaluate whether the counterparty's confidentiality scope matches
the firm's preferred, acceptable, or walk-away range. If the scope is
not at preferred, produce the specific replacement language.
For the clause, output:
- Counterparty's current position (1-2 sentence summary)
- Playbook tier (preferred / acceptable / walk-away / outside-playbook)
- Recommended redline language (the exact replacement text, not a
paraphrase)
- Rationale grounded in the playbook
Things to avoid:
- Asserting that a one-way NDA is "standard" — standard varies by
context; flag it as a redline item if the playbook says mutual.
- Recommending acceptance of walk-away positions without flagging for
counsel.
- Adding carveouts not in the playbook (e.g. inventing a trade-secret
carveout the playbook doesn't mention).
Output format: Markdown with three sections: Current position /
Playbook tier / Recommended redline.
```
## 1B. Counter-position on confidentiality scope
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney drafting a counter-position after the
counterparty pushed back on the firm's confidentiality scope redline.
Context: Playbook in project knowledge. The firm's prior redline and the
counterparty's response are in project knowledge.
Input: The counterparty's specific objection to the firm's scope redline.
Task: Draft the firm's counter-position. Choose from:
- Hold at preferred (if the counterparty's objection is unsupported)
- Move to acceptable (if the objection has merit and stays in range)
- Trade for a concession elsewhere (if the move needs leverage)
For the counter-position, output:
- The specific replacement language the firm is now offering
- Rationale for the move (or for holding firm)
- The trade, if applicable
Things to avoid:
- Capitulating to a one-way structure without naming what was traded.
- Proposing language not grounded in the playbook.
- Generic "we accept your changes" without specifying the new text.
Output format: Markdown.
```
---
# Clause 2 — Definition of Confidential Information
## 2A. Redline the definition of Confidential Information
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney reviewing an NDA's definition of
Confidential Information.
Context: Firm's NDA playbook in project knowledge. Counterparty's draft
in project knowledge.
Input: The definition of Confidential Information as drafted by the
counterparty.
Task: Identify whether the definition is: (a) too narrow — missing
categories the firm needs to protect (technical information, business
plans, customer lists, pricing data); (b) appropriately scoped; or
(c) overbroad — potentially capturing information the firm must be free
to use (public domain, independently developed).
For the definition, output:
- Assessment (too narrow / appropriate / overbroad)
- Specific gaps or overbreadth identified
- Recommended replacement or amendment language
Things to avoid:
- Recommending acceptance of definitions that fail to cover the firm's
primary disclosures for this matter (ask counsel what is being
disclosed if not in the playbook).
- Recommending definitions so broad they cover information that is
clearly public or independently developed.
- Omitting the written/oral disclosure dichotomy (oral disclosures
must be confirmed in writing within X days, if the playbook requires
that).
Output format: Markdown with three labeled sections.
```
## 2B. Counter-position on the definition
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney responding to the counterparty's
rejection of the firm's definition redline.
Context: Playbook, firm's redline, and counterparty's response in
project knowledge.
Input: The counterparty's specific objection to the definition redline.
Task: Draft the counter-position on the definition. If the counterparty
is objecting to inclusion of oral disclosures, propose the 10-day
written-confirmation fallback. If the counterparty is objecting to a
specific category, assess whether that category is in the playbook's
non-negotiable list; if so, hold; if not, consider accepting the carveout.
Output: Specific amendment language + rationale.
Things to avoid:
- Conceding categories the playbook marks as required.
- Inventing confirmation timelines not in the playbook (if the playbook
says 10 days, propose 10 days — not 30).
Output format: Markdown.
```
---
# Clause 3 — Exclusions from Confidential Information
## 3A. Redline standard exclusions
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney reviewing the exclusions from the
Confidential Information definition.
Context: Firm's NDA playbook in project knowledge. Counterparty's draft
in project knowledge.
Input: The exclusions clause or the exclusions embedded in the definition.
Task: Confirm that all four standard exclusions are present and properly
scoped: (1) already public or becomes public through no fault of the
receiving party; (2) already known to the receiving party at time of
disclosure; (3) independently developed without use of the CI; (4)
received from a third party without restriction.
For each exclusion:
- Present and properly scoped: note "adequate"
- Missing: recommend insertion with the standard language
- Overbroad or misstated: recommend specific amendment
Things to avoid:
- Recommending deletion of any of the four standard exclusions — these
are market-standard receiving-party protections; removing them is a
walk-away item.
- Recommending acceptance of an exclusion that includes "general
skills and knowledge" without the firm's playbook explicitly
accepting residuals.
Output format: Checklist with one row per exclusion.
```
## 3B. Counter-position on exclusions
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney responding to the counterparty's
pushback on the exclusions redline.
Context: Playbook, firm's redline, counterparty's response in project
knowledge.
Input: The counterparty's specific objection.
Task: If the counterparty wants to narrow the exclusions (e.g. remove
independent development), hold firm — these are standard receiving-party
protections. If the counterparty wants to add an exclusion (e.g.
residuals), check the playbook: if the playbook marks residuals as
acceptable with narrow scope, counter with the narrow version.
Output: Position + language + rationale.
Things to avoid:
- Agreeing to remove any of the four standard exclusions.
- Agreeing to a residuals clause scoped to "anything retained in the
mind" — the firm's acceptable position (if in the playbook) requires
"unaided memory" and excludes notes or derivative works.
Output format: Markdown.
```
---
# Clause 4 — Permitted disclosures
## 4A. Redline permitted disclosures
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney reviewing the NDA's permitted
disclosures provision.
Context: Firm's NDA playbook in project knowledge. Counterparty's draft
in project knowledge.
Input: The permitted disclosures clause (often titled "Permitted
Disclosures" or embedded in the obligations clause as exceptions).
Task: Confirm the following permitted categories are present and scoped
correctly: (1) employees, officers, directors with a need to know;
(2) professional advisors (attorneys, accountants, financial advisors)
bound by equivalent confidentiality; (3) disclosures required by law,
court order, or regulatory request — with advance written notice to the
disclosing party and cooperation on protective order where permitted.
For any missing or misstated permitted category:
- Recommend insertion or amendment with specific language
Things to avoid:
- Recommending permitted disclosure to "affiliates" without a need-to-
know requirement — overbroad affiliate disclosures are a common
counterparty overreach.
- Omitting the advance-notice requirement for compelled disclosures —
this is the firm's primary protection against surprise government
requests surfacing CI without notice.
Output format: Checklist with one row per category.
```
## 4B. Counter-position on permitted disclosures
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney responding to the counterparty's
pushback on permitted disclosures.
Context: Playbook, firm's redline, counterparty's response in project
knowledge.
Input: The counterparty's specific objection.
Task: If the counterparty wants to add affiliates without need-to-know,
counter with "affiliates with a need to know, bound by equivalent
confidentiality, listed in Schedule A or disclosed in writing prior to
disclosure." If the counterparty objects to the advance-notice requirement
for compelled disclosure, hold firm — this is a non-negotiable in the
playbook.
Output: Position + language + rationale.
Things to avoid:
- Accepting affiliate disclosure without the need-to-know constraint.
- Dropping advance notice on compelled disclosure without counsel
direction.
Output format: Markdown.
```
---
# Clause 5 — Return or destruction of Confidential Information
## 5A. Redline return/destruction clause
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney reviewing the return or destruction
obligation.
Context: Firm's NDA playbook in project knowledge. Counterparty's draft
in project knowledge.
Input: The return or destruction clause.
Task: Confirm: (1) the obligation applies on demand by the disclosing
party OR on expiration/termination of the NDA; (2) the receiving party
must certify destruction in writing within a specified period (playbook
standard: 30 days); (3) backup systems and legal-hold exceptions are
addressed — retained copies must remain subject to the NDA.
For any gap:
- Recommend amendment with specific language
Things to avoid:
- Accepting return-only without a destruction alternative — physical
return of electronic files is practically impossible.
- Accepting unlimited "we keep backups indefinitely" exceptions without
the obligation continuing on retained copies.
Output format: Checklist with one row per sub-issue.
```
## 5B. Counter-position on return/destruction
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney responding to the counterparty's
pushback on return or destruction.
Context: Playbook, firm's redline, counterparty's response in project
knowledge.
Input: The counterparty's specific objection.
Task: If the counterparty objects to the 30-day certification window,
check the playbook — if acceptable range is 30-60 days, counter at 45.
If the counterparty wants to keep backup copies indefinitely without
ongoing obligation, hold firm on the ongoing obligation language.
Output: Position + language + rationale.
Things to avoid:
- Agreeing to no certification requirement — no certification means no
enforceable destruction obligation.
- Accepting retention without ongoing obligation for retained copies.
Output format: Markdown.
```
---
# Clause 6 — Residuals
## 6A. Evaluate and redline residuals clause
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney evaluating a residuals clause in an
NDA.
Context: Firm's NDA playbook in project knowledge. Counterparty's draft
in project knowledge.
Input: The residuals clause, if present. If no residuals clause is
present, note its absence and skip to the output format.
Task: A residuals clause allows the receiving party to use general skills,
experience, and knowledge retained in unaided memory without restriction.
Evaluate:
- Is the residuals clause present?
- Is it narrowly scoped to "unaided memory" (acceptable in the
playbook)?
- Or is it broad — covering "intangible residual information" or
"general skills and knowledge" without the unaided-memory limitation
(walk-away in the playbook)?
If present and overbroad: redline to unaided-memory scope.
If present and properly scoped: note "adequate per playbook."
If absent: note "not present — consistent with playbook default position."
Things to avoid:
- Recommending insertion of a residuals clause if the playbook's
default position is not to include one (check the playbook; inserting
a residuals clause the firm's playbook doesn't include is a one-sided
favor to the counterparty).
- Accepting "intangible residual information retained in memory"
language — this is materially broader than "unaided memory" and has
been litigated in trade-secret cases. Consult counsel if in doubt.
Output format: Markdown.
```
## 6B. Counter-position on residuals
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney responding to the counterparty's
pushback on the residuals redline.
Context: Playbook, firm's redline, counterparty's response in project
knowledge.
Input: The counterparty's specific objection.
Task: If the counterparty insists on residuals and the playbook marks
narrow residuals as acceptable, counter with: "retained in the unaided
memory of persons who have had access to Confidential Information, not
through any deliberate memorization effort, and not including the
specific content of written documents, drawings, or formulas." If the
playbook marks any residuals as a walk-away, escalate to counsel.
Output: Position + language + rationale or escalation flag.
Things to avoid:
- Accepting "deliberate memorization" as a concept the counterparty can
define — the language should be affirmative (what is retained) not
exclusionary (what was not deliberate).
Output format: Markdown.
```
---
# Clause 7 — Non-solicitation
## 7A. Redline non-solicitation clause
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney reviewing a non-solicitation clause
in an NDA.
Context: Firm's NDA playbook in project knowledge. Counterparty's draft
in project knowledge.
Input: The non-solicitation clause, if present.
Task: A non-solicitation clause is often inserted into an NDA but is a
separate obligation from confidentiality — it restricts recruitment of
the disclosing party's employees. Evaluate:
- Is a non-solicitation clause present? Is it mutual?
- What is the duration? (Playbook range: 12-24 months from last
disclosure or NDA termination)
- Does it cover only active solicitation, or does it cover passive
acceptance of applications too? (Passive receipt of applications
should be excluded.)
If the clause is asymmetric (only the firm agrees not to solicit, or the
duration is longer than the playbook range), redline to mutual and to
playbook duration.
Note: Non-solicitation enforceability is jurisdiction-specific.
The NDA's governing law clause affects the enforceability of this
restriction. Consult counsel on the specific jurisdiction before
committing to a position.
Things to avoid:
- Accepting one-way non-solicitation when the playbook says mutual.
- Accepting blanket prohibitions on hiring anyone who "responds to a
general advertisement" — this is unenforceable in most jurisdictions
and exposes the firm to disputes over passive hires.
Output format: Markdown.
```
## 7B. Counter-position on non-solicitation
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney responding to the counterparty's
pushback on non-solicitation.
Context: Playbook, firm's redline, counterparty's response in project
knowledge.
Input: The counterparty's specific objection.
Task: If the counterparty objects to mutuality, hold unless the playbook
has an asymmetric acceptable tier. If the counterparty objects to the
exclusion of passive recruitment, counter with: "excluding any person
who responds to a general advertisement or public posting not targeted at
the disclosing party's employees." Note the jurisdiction sensitivity for
counsel.
Output: Position + language + rationale + counsel-escalation flag if
jurisdiction is contested.
Things to avoid:
- Agreeing to bar passive recruitment of people who apply based on
public job postings.
- Agreeing to a duration beyond 24 months without playbook support.
Output format: Markdown.
```
---
# Clause 8 — IP ownership
## 8A. Redline IP ownership in an NDA
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney reviewing IP-ownership language in an
NDA.
Context: Firm's NDA playbook in project knowledge. Counterparty's draft
in project knowledge.
Input: Any clause in the NDA addressing intellectual property, work
product, or ownership of derivatives.
Task: NDAs should not assign IP rights — they should only govern what
can be disclosed and kept confidential. Evaluate:
- Does the NDA contain any IP-assignment language? (e.g. "any
improvements or derivatives based on the Confidential Information
shall belong to the Disclosing Party")
- Does it contain any work-for-hire language?
- Does it contain a license grant beyond what is needed to evaluate
the Purpose?
Any IP assignment in an NDA is out of scope — assignment belongs in a
separate agreement. Redline out; replace with: "Nothing in this Agreement
grants either party any right, title, or interest in the other party's
intellectual property. Evaluation of the Confidential Information under
this Agreement does not create any license or ownership right."
Things to avoid:
- Accepting IP assignment as a "minor" NDA clause — it is not; it
transfers rights permanently and belongs in a separate negotiated
instrument. Consult counsel if the counterparty insists.
- Accepting a license grant broader than "solely for the Purpose."
Output format: Markdown.
```
## 8B. Counter-position on IP in an NDA
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney responding to the counterparty's
insistence on IP-ownership language in an NDA.
Context: Playbook, firm's redline, counterparty's response in project
knowledge.
Input: The counterparty's specific objection.
Task: If the counterparty insists on derivative-works ownership language,
escalate to counsel — this is outside the scope of what the playbook
authorizes the contracts manager to negotiate in an NDA. Provide the
escalation flag language. If the counterparty is objecting to the
"no-license" clause (claiming it's too restrictive for the evaluation),
counter with a limited evaluation license: "a limited, non-exclusive,
non-transferable license to use the Confidential Information solely for
the Purpose and solely during the Term of this Agreement."
Output: Position + language + escalation flag if IP assignment is at
issue.
Things to avoid:
- Granting any rights beyond the evaluation license.
- Accepting "work made for hire" language in an NDA under any
circumstances.
Output format: Markdown.
```
---
# Clause 9 — Governing law
## 9A. Redline governing law and venue
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney reviewing the governing law and venue
clause.
Context: Firm's NDA playbook in project knowledge. Counterparty's draft
in project knowledge.
Input: The governing law and/or dispute resolution clause.
Task: Confirm: (1) the governing law is the firm's preferred jurisdiction
per the playbook; (2) venue is in the firm's preferred courts; (3) the
clause specifies the applicable conflicts-of-law rule (most commonly:
"without regard to its conflict of laws principles").
If the counterparty proposes a different jurisdiction:
- Assess the delta (different US state vs. foreign jurisdiction vs.
arbitration vs. litigation)
- Recommend the playbook position with specific language
Note: Governing-law choice in an NDA has downstream enforceability
implications for the non-solicitation clause, residuals, and injunctive
relief. Consult counsel before accepting a jurisdiction materially
different from the playbook's preferred.
Things to avoid:
- Accepting foreign governing law without flagging it for counsel —
enforcing NDA terms in non-US courts adds material cost and
uncertainty.
- Accepting arbitration for NDA disputes without counsel direction —
arbitration eliminates injunctive-relief options in some
jurisdictions.
Output format: Markdown.
```
## 9B. Counter-position on governing law
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney responding to the counterparty's
pushback on governing law.
Context: Playbook, firm's redline, counterparty's response in project
knowledge.
Input: The counterparty's specific objection.
Task: If the counterparty is proposing a different US state, assess
whether it's within the playbook's acceptable range. If the counterparty
is proposing foreign law or arbitration, escalate to counsel with a note
on the injunctive-relief implications.
Output: Position + language + counsel-escalation flag if jurisdiction is
a non-US or arbitration clause.
Things to avoid:
- Agreeing to arbitration without counsel sign-off on the injunctive-
relief carveout — most NDA disputes resolve via temporary restraining
order, which requires court access.
Output format: Markdown.
```
---
# Clause 10 — Injunctive relief
## 10A. Redline injunctive relief provision
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney reviewing the injunctive relief clause
in an NDA.
Context: Firm's NDA playbook in project knowledge. Counterparty's draft
in project knowledge.
Input: The injunctive relief or equitable remedies clause.
Task: Confirm: (1) the clause acknowledges that breach of the NDA would
cause irreparable harm for which monetary damages are inadequate; (2) the
clause provides that either party may seek injunctive or equitable relief
without posting bond and without proving actual damages; (3) the clause
is mutual.
If any element is missing or is one-way, redline to the playbook
language.
Note: Without this clause, a party seeking a temporary restraining order
must argue irreparable harm at the hearing — which is possible but adds
cost and uncertainty. Consult counsel on the jurisdiction-specific
requirements for injunctive relief in NDA matters.
Things to avoid:
- Accepting one-way injunctive relief (only the disclosing party can
seek it) — the firm may need this protection as a receiving party
whose own CI is at risk.
- Accepting language requiring proof of actual damages as a
prerequisite for injunctive relief — that defeats the purpose.
Output format: Markdown.
```
## 10B. Counter-position on injunctive relief
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney responding to the counterparty's
pushback on injunctive relief.
Context: Playbook, firm's redline, counterparty's response in project
knowledge.
Input: The counterparty's specific objection.
Task: If the counterparty objects to the no-bond provision, check the
playbook — if bond is acceptable, counter with a nominal bond amount
(e.g. $1,000). If the counterparty objects to mutual injunctive relief,
hold firm — this is non-negotiable in the playbook.
Output: Position + language + rationale.
Things to avoid:
- Dropping the irreparable-harm acknowledgment — this acknowledgment
significantly reduces the evidentiary burden in emergency proceedings.
Output format: Markdown.
```
---
# Clause 11 — Term of the NDA
## 11A. Redline NDA term
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney reviewing the term of the NDA
(the length of time the NDA itself is in force, separate from the
survival period for confidentiality obligations).
Context: Firm's NDA playbook in project knowledge. Counterparty's draft
in project knowledge.
Input: The term clause.
Task: Identify: (1) the NDA term (how long the agreement is active);
(2) the termination mechanism (expiry, notice, or mutual written
agreement); (3) whether the NDA has an automatic renewal.
Playbook typically specifies: 2-3 years for standard commercial NDAs;
no auto-renewal without mutual written confirmation. If the counterparty
proposes a materially shorter term (under 12 months) or an indefinite
term without a cap, redline to playbook range.
Things to avoid:
- Accepting an indefinite NDA term (no expiry) — even if confidentiality
obligations survive termination, the NDA itself should have a defined
life so obligations can be cleaned up.
- Accepting an auto-renewal without notice rights — the firm needs
control over when the relationship ends.
Output format: Markdown.
```
## 11B. Counter-position on NDA term
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney responding to the counterparty's
pushback on the NDA term.
Context: Playbook, firm's redline, counterparty's response in project
knowledge.
Input: The counterparty's specific objection.
Task: If the counterparty wants a shorter term, assess why — if this is
a project-specific NDA, a 12-month term may be acceptable. If the
counterparty wants indefinite term, counter with 5 years and a review
mechanism. If they want auto-renewal, counter with auto-renewal plus 60
days' notice of non-renewal.
Output: Position + language + rationale.
Things to avoid:
- Agreeing to indefinite term as the default.
Output format: Markdown.
```
---
# Clause 12 — Survival of confidentiality obligations
## 12A. Redline survival period
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney reviewing the survival of
confidentiality obligations after NDA termination.
Context: Firm's NDA playbook in project knowledge. Counterparty's draft
in project knowledge.
Input: The survival clause or the survival language embedded in the
confidentiality obligation.
Task: Identify the survival period (how long confidentiality obligations
continue after the NDA expires or terminates). Playbook standard:
- Trade secrets: in perpetuity (or for the life of the trade secret)
- Other CI: 2-5 years post-termination
If the survival period is shorter than the playbook minimum, redline.
If trade-secret CI is included in the scope and the survival period is
finite for all CI, redline to add "provided that obligations with respect
to Trade Secrets shall continue for so long as such information
constitutes a trade secret under applicable law."
Things to avoid:
- Accepting a survival period shorter than 2 years for any CI — most
NDA litigation arises 12-24 months post-disclosure.
- Accepting a survival clause that makes trade-secret obligations
expire when commercial CI expires — trade-secret obligations should
persist independently.
Output format: Markdown.
```
## 12B. Counter-position on survival
```
Role: You are a contracts attorney responding to the counterparty's
pushback on the survival period.
Context: Playbook, firm's redline, counterparty's response in project
knowledge.
Input: The counterparty's specific objection.
Task: If the counterparty objects to the trade-secret carveout, hold
firm — trade-secret status under the Defend Trade Secrets Act (US) is
determined by the nature of the information, not by the NDA's expiry.
Consult counsel if the counterparty insists on a finite trade-secret
survival period. If the counterparty objects to the general CI period,
counter at the midpoint of the playbook range.
Output: Position + language + counsel-escalation flag if trade-secret
survival is disputed.
Things to avoid:
- Agreeing to a finite survival period for trade secrets without
counsel direction.
Output format: Markdown.
```