Skip to content
TradingFormsFree trade documents and tools

Memorandum of Understanding Template

Write an MOU between two organisations with purpose, responsibilities, term, costs, confidentiality and legal effect. PDF or Word.

Parties

Details

Letter text

The text below is written from the details you fill in. Edit it if you want to change the wording.

Saved in this browser only

What is a memorandum of understanding?

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is a written record of what two or more parties intend to do together: the purpose, who does what, for how long and on what basic terms. Companies, NGOs, universities and trade bodies use it to start a partnership before, or instead of, a full contract.

What is a memorandum of understanding?

An MOU is usually not legally binding, except for clauses the parties choose to make binding, such as confidentiality. Our template lets you choose: non binding (except confidentiality) or legally binding.

What goes in an MOU

  1. The parties and who represents them
  2. Purpose: what you want to achieve together
  3. Responsibilities of each party, one per line
  4. Term: start date, length and notice to end it
  5. Costs: who pays what
  6. Confidentiality
  7. Legal effect and governing law

MOU or contract?

If money, property, exclusivity or penalties are involved, a contract is better than an MOU. For a two way confidentiality promise only, use the NDA generator.

Download a PDF or an editable Word file, or print it. Your draft stays in this browser only; nothing is uploaded to our servers.

Features

  • Purpose of the partnership
  • Duties of each party
  • Start date, term and notice
  • Costs and confidentiality
  • Binding or non binding
  • PDF, Word and print

Frequently asked questions

Is an MOU legally binding?

Usually not, unless it says so or the parties clearly intend it. Clauses like confidentiality are often made binding on purpose. Our template states the legal effect you choose.

Who signs an MOU?

An authorised person for each party, such as a director, with name, title and date.

What is the difference between an MOU and an agreement?

An MOU records intentions and roles; an agreement creates enforceable obligations. Many partnerships start with an MOU and sign an agreement later.

Is this legal advice?

No. It is a sample format to save you time. For a large amount, property or anything unusual, have a lawyer review the final text.

Is it free?

Yes. No sign up and no watermark. Download a PDF or Word file, or print it, as often as you need.

Is my information saved?

Only in your own browser, so you can come back to the draft. Nothing is uploaded to our servers.

Related tools

Work Order FormatIssue a work order to a contractor with the scope, quantities and rates, site, dates, payment terms, tax and conditions, ready to sign.Stock Register FormatKeep a stock register for each item with date, received from or issued to, quantities in and out and the running balance; print blank pages too.Consignment Agreement TemplateSet up a consignment deal: the owner keeps title, the shop sells for a commission, pays on a schedule and returns what does not sell.Sales Agreement TemplateAgree the terms for repeat sales to a business customer: products, prices, ordering, delivery, payment, warranty, liability and how to end it.