As a freelancer, your portfolio is your most valuable asset. But what happens when your best work is locked behind a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)?
Before you post that screenshot to Behance or your personal site, use our AI Contract Scanner to check your "Confidentiality" and "Publicity" clauses. One wrong move could lead to a lawsuit.
1. The General Rule
If you signed a standard NDA, you generally cannot share any "Confidential Information" publicly. This usually includes raw code, internal data, and unpublished designs. However, "Work Product" is a grey area.
2. Ways to Showcase "Hidden" Work
- The "Blind" Case Study: Describe the problem and your solution without naming the client or showing their logo. (e.g., "Built a local-first invoice generator for a major fintech startup").
- Password Protection: Host the work on a hidden page and only share the password with serious leads.
- Redaction: Blur out sensitive data or brand names.
3. The "Publicity" Clause
Check your contract for a "Publicity" or "Promotion" clause. This specifically grants or denies you the right to mention the client's name. If it's missing, you should ask for a written "Portfolio Exception" before sending your final invoice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I show NDA work in a private interview?
Usually, yes, but it is still a risk. If the client finds out you showed their "Secret Sauce" to a competitor, they can sue for damages. Always check if your contract scanner flags strict non-disclosure terms.
Does an NDA expire?
Most NDAs expire after 2, 3, or 5 years. Once the term is over, the information is no longer legally confidential, and you may be free to share it.
What if the client already made the work public?
If the app is live or the article is published, the "visual" result is no longer confidential. However, your internal process and the line items on your bill still are.