Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
A short record of what two organisations intend to do together. Choose whether it is non-binding, with only the parts you pick (confidentiality, costs, announcements) binding, or binding as a whole.
Free. Fill in, print, save as PDF or download as Word without an account. Saving to your account needs a free account.
Country versions
- International
- United States *
- United Kingdom *
- Korea *
- Japan *
- Germany *
* check with local advice
A template, not advice.
Read more
What it is
A memorandum of understanding, or MOU, is a short document in which two organisations write down what they intend to do together: a joint project, a pilot, a partnership under discussion. It sits between a handshake and a full contract. Its value is that both sides have the same picture of the plan, the roles and the timetable before more time and money are spent.
The key question is whether it binds. The title does not answer that; the wording and the parties’ conduct do. This template makes the choice explicit. By default the MOU is not binding, so either side can walk away, and you can pick the few parts that should bind anyway: confidentiality, each side bearing its own costs, and no announcements without consent. Or you can make the whole MOU binding. A governing-law and courts clause appears only when something binds. The country notes explain the local names (업무협약서, 覚書, 基本合意書, Absichtserklärung) and customs.
When to use it
- You and another organisation have agreed in principle to work together and want it on paper before starting.
- A pilot or joint project is planned, and the contract will follow once the pilot has shown results.
- You need confidentiality in place while you explore a partnership, without committing to the partnership itself.
- A university, public body or large company asks for an MOU before it will release resources.
How to fill it in
- Describe the cooperation in one phrase and add the background if it helps.
- Write what each side will do, then list the planned activities with target dates.
- Name a contact person for each side and set the end date, if any, and the notice period.
- Choose the effect: not binding with chosen binding parts, or binding as a whole.
- Fill in both parties, add the governing law and courts if something binds, and pick the country.
- Print for signature, or download it as Word to add your own detail.
Common mistakes
- Calling a document “non-binding” in the title while the text contains firm promises; the text wins.
- Making the whole MOU binding by accident, for example by listing duties that sound like obligations.
- Using an MOU for a deal that already has agreed price and scope; that needs a contract.
- Leaving confidentiality out while sensitive plans are being shared.
- Breaking off talks abruptly after the other side has spent money on your encouragement.
Steps at a glance
- Fill in
- Check the preview
- Save as PDF, Word or Excel
Country versions
Pick the country you need. Each version uses the wording and layout commonly found there; a version marked “check with local advice” should be read by someone who knows the local rules before it is used.
- International (XX): Written in English, Korean, Japanese, German
- United States (US): Written in English – check with local advice
- United Kingdom (GB): Written in English – check with local advice
- Korea (KR): Written in Korean, English – check with local advice
- Japan (JP): Written in Japanese, English – check with local advice
- Germany (DE): Written in German, English – check with local advice
Designs
The same form in several designs. The fields and the wording stay the same; only the look changes.
- Formal
- Executive
- Classic
- Plain (black and white)
- Minimal
- Ledger
- Modern
- Compact
- Side band
- Warm
- Boxed form
- Banner
Your details fill it in
Fields that ask for your name, address or company details are filled from My details, so you do not type them again; you can still change any field for one form. Signed in, your details stay in your account; otherwise they stay in this browser only. A passport, identity or social security number is never saved.
Questions
- Is an MOU legally binding?
- It depends on what it says and what the parties intend, not on the title. This template lets you choose: not binding except for the parts you tick, or binding as a whole. Even a non-binding MOU can lead to liability in some countries if one side breaks off talks unfairly, so seek advice where much is at stake.
- What is the difference between an MOU and a letter of intent?
- In practice the two overlap. An MOU is usually a document signed by both sides that records a joint plan. A letter of intent is usually written by one side to the other to signal an intention, for example to invest or buy. The Letter of Intent form on this site is written in that letter style.
- Do I need a governing-law clause in a non-binding MOU?
- Only for the parts that bind. If nothing binds, there is nothing for a law to govern, so the form leaves the clause out. If you tick confidentiality or costs, or make the whole MOU binding, the clause and its fields appear.
- Can I sign it electronically?
- In many countries an electronic signature is accepted for an MOU, but rules differ and some contracts need a particular form. QuoteBill also offers e-signing for contracts; check what your country and the other side accept.
- Is this template legal advice?
- No. It is a general template in plain language. Whether it fits your situation depends on the law that applies, so have a qualified adviser review it before an important step.
- Is this form legal, tax or accounting advice?
- No. It is a template: it gives you the usual structure and wording, not advice. Rules differ by country and case, so have someone qualified read anything that matters before you sign, send or file it.
- Which countries and designs does it come in?
- It comes in 6 country versions: International, United States, United Kingdom, Korea, Japan, and Germany. 12 designs.
A form is a template, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Rules differ by country and case.