Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement
Purpose
The Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) convenes the Industry Advisory Council (IAC) to foster dialogue and collaboration among representatives of companies engaged in the vestibular industry—including, but not limited to, device manufacturers, biopharmaceutical companies, and technology developers. The IAC serves as a forum to advance VeDA’s mission to improve the lives of people with vestibular disorders through education, support, and advocacy.
To ensure ethical conduct, protect confidential information, and prevent anti-competitive practices, all IAC participants must agree to the following terms.
Anti-Collusion Commitment
1.1. Members agree to conduct themselves in strict compliance with all applicable antitrust and competition laws.
1.2. Members shall not discuss, share, or coordinate on any matters that could restrain trade or reduce competition, including but not limited to:
- Pricing, discounts, or terms of sale;
- Market allocation, territories, or customer segmentation;
- Product development pipelines in ways that could influence market timing or competition;
- Hiring practices, supplier relationships, or other competitively sensitive business decisions.
1.3. VeDA and IAC members agree to advocate for a competitive market, ethics, integrity, and trust with all stakeholders. The Association warns against anti-competitive practices that could harm consumers and markets.
Confidentiality Obligations
2.1. Members acknowledge that discussions during IAC meetings may include information shared in confidence by VeDA or by other member organizations, including updates on products, technologies, or services that may not be publicly available.
2.2. Members agree not to disclose, reproduce, or distribute any such information outside the IAC without the express written consent of VeDA and the organization or company that owns the information.
2.3. This confidentiality obligation applies to all forms of communication (verbal, written, or digital) and continues indefinitely after membership on the IAC ends.
2.4. Members shall take reasonable steps to ensure that their representatives and staff comply with these confidentiality provisions.
Conflict of Interest and Transparency
3.1. Members shall disclose to VeDA any potential conflicts of interest related to topics discussed in IAC meetings.
3.2. Members agree to act in good faith and in the shared interest of improving vestibular patient outcomes, rather than advancing individual corporate advantage within the IAC context.
Meeting Conduct
4.1. VeDA will provide an agenda and moderator for each meeting to ensure that discussions remain within approved boundaries.
4.2. If a topic arises that could pose an antitrust or confidentiality concern, VeDA staff or the moderator may halt the discussion immediately.
4.3. Members agree to comply with all meeting guidelines, including any recording or documentation restrictions set by VeDA.
Acknowledgment and Enforcement
5.1. Violation of this agreement may result in immediate removal from the IAC and possible legal consequences under applicable laws.
5.2. By signing below, the member affirms understanding of and commitment to the principles set forth in this agreement.
