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Non-Disclosure Agreement
 
 More of this Feature
• What is a Non-Disclosure Agreement?
• Is a Non-Disclosure Agreement Legal?
• Refusing to Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement
• Violating a Non-Disclosure Agreement
 
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• Am I Entitled to Severance Pay?
• Employment Separation Agreements
• Non-Compete Agreement
• Research State and Federal Labor Laws
• What's Wrongful Termination?

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• About Non-Disclosure Agreements
• Sample Non-Disclosure Agreement Form
• Sample Non-Disclosure Agreement Download
• Sample Non-Compete and Non-Disclosure Agreement
 

What if I Refuse to Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement?

If you refuse to sign a non-disclosure agreement during your employment or when you're trying to hire in, your employer might fire or refuse to hire you. If you refuse to sign when you resign or get laid off, your employer might deprive you of an employment-termination benefit or perk, such as severance or accrued vacation pay.

Whether or not it's legal for an employer to "punish" you for not signing a non-disclosure agreement might depend on other factors. But generally, an employer likely has the right to terminate you, deprive you of a benefit, or refuse to hire you, if you won't promise not to disclose or profit from trade secrets.

If you have questions or doubts about signing (or not signing) a non-disclosure agreement or any employment-related contact, see an attorney.

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"Non-Disclosure Agreement" is just a guide and not intended as legal advice. Neither the author nor publisher are engaged in rendering legal services. Please see an attorney for legal advice. Because laws vary by state and are subject to change, neither the author nor publisher guarantees the accuracy of this article.

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Copyright © 2002, J. Steven Niznik. All Rights Reserved.

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