How long is &quot;5 years or such other period as permitted by law&quot;?
<p>I have to sign an NDA with a non-disparagement clause, which is defined to last <em>for a period of five years or for such other period as permitted by law</em>.</p>
<p>I've tried to find any laws limiting how long an NDA can last, and I couldn't find any limit. Does this mean that this NDA is in effect indefinitely? If yes, why would the NDA mention the five years at all?</p>
<p>The company is based in California, the court they name in the contract is in California. I'm in EU.</p>

<p>The alternative is that in some jurisdiction, an NDA cannot last as long as 5 years, it might be only allowed to last 3 years (<a href="https://www.sixfifty.com/blog/legal-limitations-on-non-disclosure-agreements/" rel="noreferrer">this page</a> has some of the state restrictions. In that jurisdiction, the NDA is therefore good for 3 years. It's not practical for an employer to know all of the possible legal conditions on duration of an NDA, so the option &quot;for such other period as permitted by law&quot; allows the contract to recognize local time limits, which are exceptions to the general 5 year duration as stated in the contract. The duration could in principle be indefinite, but the wording in this case says &quot;5 years&quot;.</p>

united-states non-disclosure