Legal request template

One-way NDA signing request template

A one-way NDA binds the party receiving confidential information to keep it secret and use it only for the agreed purpose before any disclosure is made.

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What is a one-way nda?

A one-way (unilateral) non-disclosure agreement covers situations where only one party discloses confidential information and the other party agrees to protect it. The disclosing party shares; the receiving party promises to keep the material secret, limit who can access it, and use it only for the agreed reason. It is the simplest form of NDA and is common when a business briefs a contractor, candidate, investor or potential customer.

Sending a one-way NDA before you hand over sensitive material gives you a documented commitment from the receiver and a clear basis to act if the information is misused. It is well suited to one-directional disclosures such as sharing a pitch, financials, designs or customer data. Like any NDA, its value depends on getting it signed before disclosure and on keeping a clear record of acceptance, and it does not by itself prevent a breach.

When to use a one-way nda

Briefing a contractor or freelancer on confidential project details
Sharing financials or a pitch deck with a prospective investor
Giving a job candidate access to internal processes or data
Showing a prototype or design to a potential customer

What to include in a one-way nda

Definition of confidential information: precisely what the receiver must protect, with standard exclusions.
Permitted purpose: the single reason the receiver may use the information.
Receiver's obligations: duties to safeguard, limit access and not disclose to others.
Term and survival: the agreement's duration and how long confidentiality lasts afterwards.
Return or destruction: handling of disclosed materials once the purpose ends.

Pros and cons of sending a one-way nda as a signing request

Pros

The receiver gets a private link and disclosure waits until they sign
Tracking shows when the recipient opens, previews and signs
Expiry stops an unsigned NDA lingering before you share anything
A completion receipt evidences the recipient's acceptance and timing

Cons and things to watch

It binds only the receiver, so it is unsuitable for two-way disclosures
Weak or broad definitions can make later enforcement harder
Signing does not stop a determined recipient from breaching it
Cosign sends and tracks the NDA but does not draft or review terms

How to send a one-way nda with Cosign

Upload your one-way NDA and preview it to confirm the receiver's details and purpose are correct.
Add the recipient or counterparty as the single signer to generate their private link.
Set a 14-day expiry and switch on password protection if the material is sensitive.
Send, monitor opens and previews, and store the completion receipt once the recipient signs.

One-way NDA request details

Email subject

Signing request: Confidentiality agreement

Default message

Please review and sign this confidentiality agreement before receiving confidential information.

Signer setup

Recipient or counterparty

Suggested expiry

14 days

Button label

Sign confidentiality agreement

Best fit

Legal teams

One-way NDA FAQs

Are electronic signatures on a confidentiality agreement valid in Australia?

Generally, Australian law accepts electronic signatures for ordinary contracts like confidentiality agreements where parties consent and the signer is reliably identified. This is general information only and not legal advice for your situation.

What is the difference between a one-way and mutual NDA?

A one-way NDA binds only the party receiving information, suiting single-direction disclosures. A mutual NDA binds both parties when each will share confidential material with the other.

Is my confidentiality agreement kept private when I send it?

Yes. Each recipient receives a private link and Cosign does not publish the document. It is kept private and is not indexed by search engines.

Should the NDA be signed before I share any information?

Best practice is to have the receiver sign before you disclose anything confidential. Cosign tracks the signing so you can confirm acceptance before sending sensitive material.

Can I see whether the recipient actually opened the agreement?

Yes. Cosign shows opens, previews, signatures and declines for the request, so you can tell whether the recipient has reviewed it and follow up if needed.