contract-law
should I acknowledge the value of information?
<p>I am reading a contract in which there is the following content: you acknowledge you will have visibility to valuable information. My question is what is the exact meaning of this statement? Going strictly by the dictionary meaning of the word acknowledge, this statement can mean two different things: 
1- To admit to be true and real
2- To show or express recognition or realization of
The first meaning seems to imply that I am making a statement about the value of a content. While the second definition seems to imply that I accept the author's claim that the information is of value. Which is the case here?</p>

<p>Contracts are ordinarily interpreted according to their plain meaning.  Here you seem to be over-emphasizing the term "acknowledge."  I would focus on the term "value."  Noting that something has value probably doesn't say much about how valuable it is: it isn't clear that it has commercial value, or that it has value to you.</p>

<p>I can't think of too many situations where the concept of something having value at all, is legally relevant.  But one such situation relates to contract formation.  In some jurisdictions, a contract is only formed when both parties agree to exchange something of value.  It is possible that your acknowledgement that the information is valuable is relevant to contract formation.</p>

<p>My unresearched guess is that it is less likely that merely acknowledging that the thing has value, would mean that you recognize it has non-trivial value, such that, your acknowledgment would somehow hurt you if the other party later sought to establish damages flowing from your breach of the agreement.</p>

<p>Important Note:
 1. This communication does <strong>not</strong> create an attorney-client relationship.
 2. You <strong>should</strong> consult an attorney licensed to practice in your state.
 3. This information is provided for educational/intellectual purposes only. I am responding to the question as a hypothetical and NOT performing any research, which would be necessary in order to provide competent legal advice.</p>
