A Translator usually reaches for a NDA when before sharing sensitive plans, files or credentials with a client or collaborator. This free template does one job well: it keeps shared information confidential before or during a working relationship. It is written for how translators actually work — around translating a document, website or set of files between two languages, the familiar headache of disagreements over translation quality, tone or subjective word choices, and getting paid on a per-word or per-project rate, often with a deposit for large volumes. Use a NDA rather than something looser, because as a substitute for a full service agreement — an NDA only covers confidentiality. Edit any line to fit your rates and terms, then send it for e-signature in a couple of minutes — no account for your client, and it is legally binding under the ESIGN Act and eIDAS.
NDA — TRANSLATOR
1. PARTIES
This NDA ("Agreement") is made on ____________ between ____________ ("Client") and ____________ (the "Provider"), a Translator. Together they are the "Parties".
2. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
"Confidential Information" means any non-public information shared between the Parties, including for a Translator the material tied to copyright in the translation and confidentiality of the source material.
3. OBLIGATIONS
The Receiving Party will keep the Confidential Information secret, use it only for the agreed purpose, and not share it with anyone who does not need it.
4. EXCLUSIONS
This does not cover information that is already public, was already known, or is required to be disclosed by law.
5. TERM
The confidentiality obligations in this NDA last for ____________ years from the date signed, and survive the end of any working relationship.
6. RETURN OF MATERIALS
On request, the Receiving Party will return or destroy all Confidential Information and copies.
7. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement is governed by the laws of ____________, and any dispute will be handled in the courts of ____________.
8. SOURCE CONFIDENTIALITY
The Provider keeps the source material and translation strictly confidential and uses it only to complete the work.
9. QUALITY & CORRECTIONS
The Provider will correct genuine errors free of charge. Subjective preferences on tone or word choice — a common source of disagreements over translation quality, tone or subjective word choices — are handled as revisions.
10. CERTIFICATION
Certified or sworn translation is provided only if agreed in writing and is priced separately.
11. PER-WORD BASIS
The fee is $____________ per source word. Added text or formatting beyond the original count is quoted separately.
SIGNATURES
Signed by the Parties on the date first written above. Both Parties keep a copy. An electronic signature is legally binding under the ESIGN Act and eIDAS.
Client: ______________________ Date: __________
Provider: ____________________ Date: __________This NDA ("Agreement") is made on ____________ between ____________ ("Client") and ____________ (the "Provider"), a Translator. Together they are the "Parties".
"Confidential Information" means any non-public information shared between the Parties, including for a Translator the material tied to copyright in the translation and confidentiality of the source material.
The Receiving Party will keep the Confidential Information secret, use it only for the agreed purpose, and not share it with anyone who does not need it.
This does not cover information that is already public, was already known, or is required to be disclosed by law.
The confidentiality obligations in this NDA last for ____________ years from the date signed, and survive the end of any working relationship.
On request, the Receiving Party will return or destroy all Confidential Information and copies.
This Agreement is governed by the laws of ____________, and any dispute will be handled in the courts of ____________.
The Provider keeps the source material and translation strictly confidential and uses it only to complete the work.
The Provider will correct genuine errors free of charge. Subjective preferences on tone or word choice — a common source of disagreements over translation quality, tone or subjective word choices — are handled as revisions.
Certified or sworn translation is provided only if agreed in writing and is priced separately.
The fee is $____________ per source word. Added text or formatting beyond the original count is quoted separately.
Signed by the Parties on the date first written above. Both Parties keep a copy. An electronic signature is legally binding under the ESIGN Act and eIDAS.
An NDA with no duration is hard to enforce. Set how many years the confidentiality survives after the Translator work ends.
Tie confidential information to what really matters for translators — copyright in the translation and confidentiality of the source material. Over-broad NDAs get ignored by courts.
Keep the exclusions for public and legally required information, or the NDA overreaches and fails.
Before sharing anything sensitive — for translators, that is usually material touching copyright in the translation and confidentiality of the source material.
No. An NDA only covers confidentiality; pair it with a service agreement that covers the actual an accurate translated document in the target language.
Yes. Once you and your client sign it — including with an electronic signature — this NDA is a binding contract under the ESIGN Act, eIDAS and similar laws in most countries.
Point them back to the scope. Extra work such as added source text, certification, or formatting work beyond the original count is quoted separately — that is exactly what the written terms are for.
Yes. Paste it into Signr, drop the signature fields on, and send a link. Your client signs from any device with no account, and you both get a sealed, court-ready copy.
Paste the template into Signr, drop signature fields on, and send. Your client signs from any device, no account needed, and you both get a sealed, court-ready copy.
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