Memorandum of Understanding Template (Word)
A memorandum of understanding records what two organisations plan to do together before a detailed contract is signed: a college and a company running a training programme, two businesses exploring a joint product, an NGO and a sponsor. This template sets out the purpose, each side's role, costs and timeline, who to contact, and states clearly which parts are binding (confidentiality, costs, ending) and which are only intentions.
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Real view of the file with its sample data (yellow cells are where you type).
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Guidance: Starting draft, not legal advice. Fill every [square bracket] and delete these grey lines. Clause 9 says which parts are binding: read it carefully.
This Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") is made on [date] at [city] between:
(1) [Full legal name of organisation], having its office at [address], represented by [name, title] (the "First Party"); and
(2) [Full legal name of organisation], having its office at [address], represented by [name, title] (the "Second Party");
Background
A. [Who the First Party is and what it does.]
B. [Who the Second Party is and what it does.]
C. The Parties wish to work together on [purpose] and to record their understanding before any detailed agreement.
1. Purpose
1.1 The Parties will work together on [describe the project or programme] (the "Project"), aiming to [goal, for example train 60 final-year students in digital skills by March 2027].
2. Roles and responsibilities
2.1 Each Party will carry out the tasks listed for it in the table below, by the target dates.
| # | Task | Responsible party | Target date |
| 1 | [task] | [First / Second Party] | [date] |
| 2 | [task] | [ ] | [ ] |
3. Contact persons and reviews
3.1 First Party contact: [name, title, phone, email]. Second Party contact: [name, title, phone, email].
3.2 The contact persons will meet at least [monthly] to review progress and will record decisions in writing.
4. Costs and resources
4.1 [Each Party will bear its own costs. / Agreed costs will be shared equally. / Costs will be shared as follows: [ ].] No Party will incur a cost on the other's behalf without written approval.
5. Confidentiality
5.1 Each Party will keep confidential the other's non-public information received under this MOU, use it only for the Project, and continue to do so for [2] years after this MOU ends.
6. Names, logos and publicity
6.1 Neither Party will use the other's name or logo, or announce the Project publicly, without the other's prior written approval.
7. Intellectual property
7.1 Each Party keeps ownership of what it brings to the Project. Ownership of anything created jointly will be agreed in writing before it is used commercially.
8. Duration and ending
8.1 This MOU starts on [date] and lasts [12 months], unless replaced by a detailed agreement or ended earlier by either Party giving [30] days' written notice.
9. Binding and non-binding parts
9.1 Clauses 4 (Costs), 5 (Confidentiality), 6 (Publicity), 8 (Duration and ending), 9 and 10 are legally binding.
9.2 All other clauses record the Parties' present intentions only and are not legally binding. Neither Party is obliged to enter into any further agreement.
10. Law and disputes
10.1 This MOU is governed by [the laws of India / other]. The Parties will try to settle any disagreement by discussion between senior representatives; if that fails within 30 days, the [courts at [city] / arbitration under [rules] at [city]] will decide.
Guidance: In India, an MOU you intend to rely on may need stamp duty as an agreement under your state's Stamp Act.
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What's inside
- Parties, background and purpose
- Roles and responsibilities table for each party
- Timeline and review meetings, costs and resources, contact persons
- Clear statement of which clauses are binding and which are not
- Confidentiality, use of names and logos, intellectual property, duration and ending
- Governing law and dispute blanks, signature blocks with witnesses
How to use it
- Open the file in Word, Google Docs or LibreOffice.
- Fill in both parties and a short background: who you are and why you are working together.
- List each party's responsibilities in the table, one task per row, with a target date.
- Decide who pays for what and write it in the Costs clause.
- Read clause 9 (binding and non-binding parts) carefully and change it if you want more of the MOU to be binding.
- Fill every [square bracket], delete the grey guidance notes, sign and date two copies.
Tips
- If money, property or exclusive rights are involved, follow the MOU with a proper agreement before work starts.
- Name one contact person on each side; most MOUs fail because nobody owns them.
- Put a review date in the timeline so the MOU does not quietly expire.
Questions and answers
Is an MOU legally binding?
It depends on the words. An MOU that says it is not binding usually is not, except for clauses it says are binding (such as confidentiality). An MOU that sets out firm promises and consideration can be treated as a contract. This template marks the binding clauses clearly.
Does an MOU need stamp paper in India?
Many states charge stamp duty on agreements and memoranda; an MOU meant to be relied on should be stamped as your state's Stamp Act requires. Check with a local stamp vendor or lawyer.
MOU or contract?
Use an MOU to record intentions and roles while details are still open; use a contract when you are exchanging money, goods, services or rights on fixed terms.