Stipulated Protective Order
(Single Level of Confidentiality) (CA)

Summary

This template is a stipulated protective order (also referred to as a confidentiality agreement and order) with a single level of confidentiality that may be used in California state court litigation to protect against the disclosure of documents both during a case and after its conclusion. It includes practical guidance, drafting notes, and optional clauses. Confidentiality agreements may provide for a single or double level of confidentiality. A double level of confidentiality is used when there is a need to shield some confidential information from the parties themselves. In non-complex cases that do not involve trade secrets or competitors, a single level of confidentiality is typically sufficient. For a template stipulated protective order providing for a double level of confidentiality, see Stipulated Protective Order (Double Level of Confidentiality) (CA). Prior to drafting a stipulated protective order, check the website for the court where the action is pending. Some California courts have model stipulated protective orders available for use by litigants. Use of these models stipulated protective orders is usually recommended but not required. The parties may propose changes to the model language and courts are likely to accept it if it is stipulated to by the parties and does not conflict with applicable law. In addition, some courts might require the parties to submit a redline version showing the changes made. For a full listing of key content covering fundamental civil litigation tasks throughout a California state court litigation lifecycle, see Civil Litigation Fundamentals Resource Kit (CA).