New Hampshire is no exception when it comes to confidentiality agreements. In fact, there have been numerous cases in the state that have dealt with the enforceability and interpretation of such agreements.
One notable case is the 2016 ruling in MGT Liquid & Trading, LLC v. Patten. The case involved a dispute between two companies over a confidentiality agreement signed between them. The court ultimately ruled in favor of MGT, stating that the agreement was valid and enforceable. This case highlights the importance of carefully drafting and negotiating confidentiality agreements to ensure they are legally binding.
Another interesting case is Hitchiner Manufacturing Company, Inc. v. Pham. In this case, an employee of Hitchiner Manufacturing signed a confidentiality agreement that prohibited him from disclosing any confidential information he acquired while working for the company. After leaving the company, the employee started his own business that allegedly used confidential information from Hitchiner Manufacturing. The court found that the employee had breached the confidentiality agreement and ordered him to pay damages to the company.
Yet another case, MacDowell Colony v. Brouillette, dealt with the disclosure of confidential information in the context of an artistic residency program. The MacDowell Colony required artists to sign confidentiality agreements to protect the privacy of other artists and the creative process. When one artist published a memoir that included details about other artists and the Colony, the Colony sued for breach of the confidentiality agreement. The court ultimately dismissed the case, but it highlights the need for clear and concise confidentiality agreements that cover all potential scenarios.
In summary, confidentiality agreements are an important tool for protecting sensitive information in New Hampshire. However, as evidenced by the cases discussed above, the enforceability and interpretation of such agreements can be complex. It is therefore vital to work with experienced legal professionals to ensure that confidentiality agreements are legally binding and offer adequate protection.
