Define: Internal Information
Internal Information is a contract term describing non-public data an organization keeps within itself, such as financial figures, strategic plans, or operational details, that could affect its business, reputation, asset value, or securities if disclosed. Contracts use this term to define what recipients must protect and cannot share outside the organization or with unauthorized parties.
Legal accuracy standard set & glossary spot-checked by Imad Mohammed Nazar , Skadden-trained M&A lawyer, Legal Engineer at GenieAI
What Internal Information Means in a Contract
Internal Information refers to data that stays within an organization's walls rather than being released publicly. In a contract, this term is used to draw a line between what employees, contractors, vendors, or partners may freely discuss and what they must keep confidential. The concept typically covers material that, if disclosed, could harm the organization's operations, its assets, its reputation, its pricing strategy, or its position in securities transactions.
Parties rely on this defined term to set expectations upfront. Rather than listing every possible category of sensitive data, a contract can simply reference Internal Information and rely on the definition to capture a broad, evolving set of materials. This is especially useful because organizations generate new types of sensitive data constantly, and a rigid list would quickly become outdated.
The term also signals accountability. Once something is classified as Internal Information under a contract, the recipient assumes a duty to protect it, often mirroring obligations found in a Relevant Circumstances
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