Confidentiality Statement
Effective Date: 10/16/2025
1. Purpose
This Confidentiality Statement outlines the obligations and responsibilities regarding the handling of confidential or proprietary information shared between The Tech Guy Joe, Joseph Stepanenko (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) and any party (the “Recipient”) with whom we engage in business discussions, transactions, or collaborations. The purpose of this statement is to protect the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information that is disclosed by the Company.
2. Definition of Confidential Information
For purposes of this Statement, “Confidential Information” includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Business Data: Business strategies, customer information, operational procedures, pricing, and marketing plans.
- Technical Information: Source code, software design, technical data, inventions, algorithms, technical documentation, and research.
- Proprietary Materials: Trade secrets, internal communications, product plans, and other proprietary information.
- Other Information: Any other information that, by its nature or the circumstances of its disclosure, should reasonably be regarded as confidential.
Confidential Information may be disclosed in both written and oral formats and in any form or media.
3. Obligations of the Recipient
The Recipient agrees to the following:
- Non-Disclosure: Maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information and not disclose it to any third party without the express prior written consent of the Company.
- Limited Use: Use the Confidential Information solely for the purpose of evaluating or performing a business relationship with the Company. The information shall not be used for any other purpose without prior written authorization.
- Protection Measures: Employ reasonable security measures to protect the Confidential Information against unauthorized use, access, or disclosure.
- Notification: Promptly notify the Company in writing of any unauthorized use or disclosure of Confidential Information if such an event occurs.
4. Exceptions
The obligations set forth herein shall not apply to information that:
- Was known to the Recipient prior to disclosure by the Company, as evidenced by written records.
- Is or becomes publicly known through no breach of this Confidentiality Statement.
- Is independently developed by the Recipient without reference to or use of the Confidential Information.
- Is disclosed pursuant to a legal or regulatory requirement, provided that the Recipient gives prompt written notice to the Company and takes all reasonable steps to limit the scope of such disclosure.
5. Duration of Obligation
The confidentiality obligations in this Statement shall remain in effect for a period of five (5) years from the date of disclosure or until such time as the Confidential Information no longer qualifies as confidential, whichever occurs first.
6. Ownership and Return of Materials
All Confidential Information remains the sole property of the Company. Upon termination of any business relationship or upon the Company’s request, the Recipient shall promptly return or securely destroy all materials containing Confidential Information, including all copies and related documentation.
7. Remedies
The Recipient acknowledges that any breach of this Confidentiality Statement may cause irreparable harm to the Company. In the event of a breach, the Company shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief and any other legal remedies available under applicable law, in addition to any compensatory damages.
8. Governing Law
This Confidentiality Statement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
9. Entire Agreement
This Statement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, whether written or oral, relating to such subject matter.
10. Acknowledgment
By engaging in business with The Tech Guy Joe, Joseph Stepanenko and reviewing this Confidentiality Statement, the Recipient acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by its terms.
The Tech Guy Joe, Joseph Stepanenko
The Tech Guy Joe
help@thetechguyjoe.com
