Contract Glossary
Non-Disparagement
Definition
A clause that prohibits one or both parties from making negative or damaging statements about the other. Common in settlement agreements, employment contracts, and partnership dissolution agreements.
In Practice
After a messy business breakup or employee termination, a non-disparagement clause prevents both sides from publicly trashing each other. If a former partner starts telling your clients that your business is failing, they've breached the clause. Note: the FTC's 2024 rule bans non-disparagement in consumer review contexts, businesses can't silence honest customer reviews.
Common in these contract types
Related terms
Related contract clauses
Frequently asked questions
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