英文契約書・覚書
サンプルの最初の 3つのパラグラフは こうした契約書のスタイルとしてよく見られるもので 契約当事者の記述と契約の目的を明記することになる。つまり、Whereas ... Whereas ... BE IT KNOWN という部分は 当事者にとって 当然のことが改まって書かれるだけで 殆ど意味はないようにも思えるが定型である。
例文には 記載がないが、5年間に亘ってというようなことを入れるのも一般的で、同業他社との契約の場合は 双方共 そうした点に敏感になることが多い。
既知の事実 (information in public domain) については 当然 その範疇ではないが、一般的に そうしたことを例文のように記載するのが慣例である。例文では コピーを取らないことが条件に入っているが、コピーを取らないとせずに、取ったコピーの保管や処分の方法を定めるものも良く見受けられる。
なお、守秘義務契約には 様々な呼び方があるが Confidentiality Agreement, Confidential Information Agreement, Non-disclosure Agreement, Proprietary Information Agreement, Secrecy Agreement などの呼称が良く使われる。
between ABC Corporation, and XYZ, Inc.
Whereas, ABC Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "ABC") agrees to furnish XYZ, Inc. ((hereinafter referred to as "XYZ") certain confidential information relating to the affairs of ABC for purposes of evaluating the product xxx, and
Whereas, XYZ agrees to review, examine, inspect or obtain such information only for the purposes described above, and to otherwise hold such information confidential pursuant to the terms of this agreement,
BE IT KNOWN, that the Company has or shall furnish to XYZ certain confidential information, as set forth on attached list, and may further allow XYZ the right to inspect the business of ABC and/or interview employees or representatives of ABC, all on the following conditions:
XYZ agrees to hold all confidential or proprietary information or trade secrets (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Information") in trust and confidence and agrees that it shall be used only for the contemplated purpose, shall not be used for any other purpose or disclosed to any third party.
No copies will be made or retained of any Information supplied.
At the conclusion of our discussions, or upon demand by ABC, all Information, including written notes, photographs, memoranda, or notes taken by XYZ shall be returned to ABC.
This Information shall not be disclosed to any employee or consultant unless they agree to execute and be bound by the terms of this agreement.
It is understood that XYZ shall have no obligation with respect to any information known by XYZ or generally known within the industry or in public domain prior to date of this agreement, or becomes public domain thereafter.