# Technical Information

> Technical Information means any form of knowledge or data relating to science, technology, or business.

**Term:** Technical Information  
**Last updated:** 2026-07-29

## Definition

## What Technical Information Means in a Contract

Technical Information is a defined term used to describe knowledge, data, or materials that relate to science, technology, engineering, or business methods. In a contract, this term sets the scope of what one party must protect, disclose, license, or return. Rather than relying on a vague or common-sense understanding of what counts as technical, a written definition tells both parties exactly which categories of information trigger the contract's obligations.

The term is commonly found in confidentiality agreements, technology licensing deals, and service contracts, particularly within the [technology](https://www.genieai.co/industry/technology) sector, where proprietary methods, code, and designs are central to the commercial relationship. Because the definition determines the reach of obligations like non-disclosure, non-use, and return of materials, its wording carries real legal and commercial weight.

Parties often include Technical Information alongside related defined terms such as Confidential Information or Intellectual Property, but it is narrower and more specific, usually focused on data with a scientific, technical, or operational character rather than general business information like pricing or customer lists.

## How Technical Information Is Defined or Measured

Most contracts define Technical Information through a combination of a general description and a non-exhaustive list of examples. The general description typically references knowledge or data relating to science, technology, or business, while the list might include specifications, drawings, formulas, algorithms, source code, test results, prototypes, and manufacturing processes.

Because the term is broad by nature, contracts often narrow it through exclusions. Common carve-outs remove information that is already public, independently developed, or lawfully obtained from a third party without restriction. These exclusions prevent the definition from unfairly capturing information that was never meant to be restricted.

- Form: written documents, drawings, digital files, or oral disclosures reduced to writing
- Content: specifications, methods, formulas, source code, or research data
- Boundaries: exclusions for public knowledge or independently developed material

Some agreements also specify how Technical Information must be marked or identified, for example requiring a document to be labeled.

## Context

### Relevant circumstances

- Transfer of technical knowledge between parties.
- Licensing of software or technology.
- Protection of intellectual property rights.
- Collaborative research and development projects.

### Relevant sectors

- Technology

## Relevant contract types

- [Software Development Agreement](https://www.genieai.co/en-us/template-type/software-development-agreement)
- [Development Agreement](https://www.genieai.co/en-us/template-type/development-agreement)
- [Community Development Agreement](https://www.genieai.co/en-us/template-type/community-development-agreement)

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