This Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (“Agreement”) is effective on the date (“Effective Date”) the individual (“Recipient”) clicks “I agree” below.

1. Definition of Confidential Information

“Confidential Information” means all non‑public information disclosed by either Party, whether orally or in writing, that is designated as confidential or that reasonably should be understood to be confidential, including but not limited to business plans, financial data, customer lists, product designs, source code, marketing strategies, and trade secrets.

2. Obligations

Recipient shall (a) use Confidential Information solely for evaluating a potential growth‑partner relationship with Company; (b) not disclose Confidential Information to any third party without prior written consent of the disclosing Party; and (c) protect Confidential Information with the same degree of care it uses to protect its own confidential information, but in no event less than reasonable care.

3. Exclusions

Confidential Information does not include information that (i) is or becomes publicly available through no fault of Recipient; (ii) was rightfully known to Recipient prior to disclosure; (iii) is independently developed by Recipient without use of Confidential Information; or (iv) is rightfully received from a third party without duty of confidentiality.

4. Term

This Agreement commences on the Effective Date and remains in effect for two (2) years. Recipient’s duty to protect Confidential Information disclosed during the term survives for three (3) years after disclosure.

5. Return or Destruction

Upon written request, Recipient shall promptly return or destroy all Confidential Information and certify destruction in writing.

6. Injunctive Relief

Recipient acknowledges that monetary damages may be inadequate for breach of this Agreement and that Company shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief without posting bond.

7. No License

Nothing in this Agreement grants Recipient any rights to or under Company’s patents, copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property.

8. Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to conflicts of law principles.

9. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties regarding Confidential Information and supersedes all prior agreements.