Exchange of confidential information is part of daily life at CERN. Whether you are exploring a new technology with a supplier, discussing sensitive commercial terms or preparing a collaboration, chances are someone will ask you to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). And chances are, you will not be entirely sure what to do next.

Good news: CERN now has a clear, updated, step-by-step NDA procedure published on the Admin e-guide, and it is worth bookmarking on your browser of choice.

The procedure walks you through everything: checking whether an NDA already exists before drafting a new one (yes, we have a database for that), selecting the right template (unilateral, bilateral or multi-party), obtaining a contract reference number, knowing when to involve the Legal Service or the KT Group and getting the agreement signed correctly. It also clarifies who needs to sign on CERN’s behalf, because yes, that matters a lot.

A few things to keep in mind. CERN templates exist for a reason: they protect CERN’s status as an international organisation. Third-party templates can create real legal headaches and should be declined whenever possible. If a counterpart insists, please call us.

The NDA procedure applies to all members of the personnel. It is short, practical and designed to make your life easier. One visit now can save a lengthy back and forth later.

Explore the NDA procedure on the Admin e-guide: https://admin-eguide.web.cern.ch/en/procedure/non-disclosure-agreements-nda-drafting-and-signing