
Memorandum of understanding
A memorandum of understanding is a type of agreement between two or more parties. It expresses a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended common line of action. It is often used either in cases where parties do not imply a legal commitment or in situations where the parties cannot create a legally enforceable agreement. It is a more formal alternative to a gentlemen's agreeme…
What is mean by mutual understanding?
Princeton's WordNet (0.00 / 0 votes) Rate this definition: mutual understanding, mutual affection noun. sympathy of each person for the other
What is the definition of mutual agreement?
In contract law, a mutual agreement refers to an understanding or agreement between two or more parties to be legally bound to do or not do something. In other words, to mutually agree is to agree to the terms of a legally binding contract.
What is an unwritten mutual agreement called?
- Agreements that cannot be performed within a year from the date the contract was signed
- Contracts for the sale of goods exceeding $5000 4
- Contracts that involve the sale or transfer of land 5
- Promised made in consideration of marriage (prenuptial agreements, for example) 6
What is another word for "mutual agreement"?
Synonyms for agreement include everyone's liking, everyone's delight, everyone's gratification, everyone's joy, everyone's satisfaction, mutual satisfaction and consensus. Find more similar words at wordhippo.com!

What is the purpose of an MOU?
A memorandum of understanding, or MOU, is a nonbinding agreement that states each party's intentions to take action, conduct a business transaction, or form a new partnership. This type of agreement may also be referred to as a letter of intent (LOI) or memorandum of agreement (MOA).
Is an MOU a legally binding document?
Similar to a contract, a memorandum of understanding is an agreement between two or more parties. Unlike a contract, however, an MOU need not contain legally enforceable promises. While the parties to a contract must intend to create a legally binding agreement, the parties to an MOU may intend otherwise.
What is the difference between an MOU and an agreement?
An agreement is a document in which two parties agreed upon to work together for a common objective. A Memorandum of Understanding or MoU is a legal document which describes the terms of an arrangement between the two or more parties forming a bilateral or multilateral agreement.
What is the difference between a MOA and MOU?
Memoranda of Understanding/Agreement (MOU/MOA) MOUs tend to be used for simple common-cause agreements which are not legally binding. MOAs, on the other hand, establish common legal terms that establish a “conditional agreement” where the transfer of funds for services are anticipated.
Can a MOU be Cancelled?
In your case, You can cancel the MOU as per the Termination Clause mentioned therein, return the part consideration which is the essence of the Contract. You are not liable to pay the excessive amount which the other party demand subject to verifying your MOU Termination Clause.
Can MOU be challenged in court?
As per Indian law, MoU is only enforceable in a court of law when it fulfills the provisions of the Indian Contract Act, 1872. To make it a valid agreement, the parties in an MoU should have a legally binding relationship to enter into an agreement.
How long is an MOU valid?
Therefore a MOU is valid only so far as its desired intentions are accomplished, or legally speaking it is valid only at the intentions of the parties involved therein, since a MOU is not legally binding in nature, should either or all the parties to it opt to not act upon, the MOU loses its validity.
What should an MOU contain?
It is a statement of serious intent – agreed voluntarily by equal partners – of the commitment, resources, and other considerations that each of the parties will bring. It has moral force, but does not create legal obligations.
What comes after an MOU?
Like a letter of intent, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) instead outlines an agreement between two or more parties and is usually produced before a final, formal contract.
Is MOU required to be registered?
As stated above all MoU must not be formally but only those should be formally made and registered which include the exchange of some monetary value.
Does MOU need to be notarized?
An MOU stands for Memorandum of Understanding, and is a contract between two parties. If the notarized document is notarized in accordance with the law, it is a legally legitimate and significant document for the case. No document may be declared void simply because it has not been registered.
Can memorandum of understanding be registered?
As MOU is not a Legal Contract, it is not necessary to print it in a Stamp Paper. It can be printed even in a normal letter head. Further there is no provision for registering a Memorandum of Understanding.
Does MOU need to be notarized?
An MOU stands for Memorandum of Understanding, and is a contract between two parties. If the notarized document is notarized in accordance with the law, it is a legally legitimate and significant document for the case. No document may be declared void simply because it has not been registered.
Are letters of understanding binding?
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is a document that describes the broad outlines of an agreement that two or more parties have reached. The primary difference between the two is that a letter of intent is not binding, whereas a memorandum of understanding is considered binding and carries weight in a court of law.
How long is an MOU valid?
Therefore a MOU is valid only so far as its desired intentions are accomplished, or legally speaking it is valid only at the intentions of the parties involved therein, since a MOU is not legally binding in nature, should either or all the parties to it opt to not act upon, the MOU loses its validity.
What if there is a breach of the mutual agreement from the parties involved?
The effect is that legal action will be settled, depending on the type of contract violation. In other words, if there is no first possible agreeme...
What is a Mutual Agreement?
A mutual agreement is when two or more individuals establish "agreement" or understanding on a certain subject, problem or issue (also referred to...
What are the remedies for the violation of a mutual agreement
Infringement or breach of a mutual contract is subject to two typical remedies: A court may impose monetary damages, or it may order the violator t...
Can any person sign a mutual agreement and make it valid?
No. The ones signing must be people who are capable. You have to know or understand what you do to deem you 'capable' of concluding an agreement. M...
What is a MOU in negotiations?
The MOU can be seen as the starting point for negotiations as it defines the scope and purpose of the talks. Such memoranda are most often seen in international treaty negotiations but also may be used in high-stakes business dealings such as merger talks. 1:33.
What is a memorandum of understanding?
A memorandum of understanding is a document that describes the broad outlines of an agreement that two or more parties have reached. MOUs communicate the mutually accepted expectations of all of the parties involved in a negotiation. While not legally binding, the MOU signals that a binding contract is imminent.
Why is a MOU important?
While not a legally enforceable document, the MOU is a significant step because of the time and effort involved in negotiating and drafting an effective document. To produce an MOU, the participating parties need to reach a mutual understanding.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a Memorandum of Understanding?
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) A memorandum of understanding allows all parties to clearly state all of their objectives and goals. This makes for less uncertainty and prevents future unexpected disputes to occur.
What is a MOU?
An MOU is an expression of agreement to proceed. It indicates that the parties have reached an understanding and are moving forward. Although it is not legally binding, it is a serious declaration that a contract is imminent.
Is there a Memorandum of Understanding between the US and China?
President Donald Trump was asked by a reporter how long he expected U.S.-China memorandums of understanding to last. "I don't like MOUs because they don't mean anything," the former president replied. 1 After some discussion, it was decided that any document that emerged from the talks would be called a trade agreement, never an MOU.
Is a MOU the same as a letter of intent?
The MOU is most often found in international relations. Under U.S. law, an MOU is the same as a letter of intent. In fact, arguably a memorandum of understanding, a memorandum of agreement, and a letter of intent are virtually indistinguishable. All communicate an agreement on a mutually beneficial goal and a desire to see it through to completion.
Mutual Agreement Definition
The mutual agreement’s meaning is when two or more individuals establish “agreement” or understanding on a certain subject, problem or issue (also referred to as mutual consent).
What Are the Elements of Mutual Agreements?
A contract is legally binding and creates mutually enforceable duties by private parties. To be legally binding, a contract must comply with several fundamental criteria of formation. The following components that must form part of each mutual agreement:
Different types of Mutual Agreement
The majority of mutual agreements include other sub-agreements or provisions like a non-disclosure agreement or a confidentiality agreement, and a harmless disclosure or holding agreement which may also be standalone mutual agreements.
How to Make a Mutual Agreement
Whether you are making a mutual agreement between husband and wife, mutual agreement child support letter or a mutual agreement between supplier and buyer, all of which are mutual agreements. All of these may have different formats but they serve the same purpose to bind the parties lawfully. Here are the steps in making a Mutual Agreement.
What if there is a breach of the mutual agreement from the parties involved?
The effect is that legal action will be settled, depending on the type of contract violation. In other words, if there is no first possible agreement between the parties, the problem must be dealt with by the courts. What if a party infringes a contract? If a party infringes a contract, it is susceptible to legal procedures – and often it is.
What is a Mutual Agreement?
A mutual agreement is when two or more individuals establish “agreement” or understanding on a certain subject, problem or issue (also referred to as mutual consent).
What are the remedies for the violation of a mutual agreement
Infringement or breach of a mutual contract is subject to two typical remedies: A court may impose monetary damages, or it may order the violator to do the same as they have indicated in the terms of the contract, which are financially compensable to the opposing party.

What Is A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)?
How A Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) Works
- An MOU is an expression of agreement to proceed. It indicates that the parties have reached an understanding and are moving forward. Although it is not legally binding, it is a serious declaration that a contract is imminent. Under U.S. law, an MOU is the same as a letter of intent. In fact, arguably a memorandum of understanding, a memorandum of a...
Contents of A Memorandum of Understanding
- An MOU clearly outlines specific points of understanding. It names the parties, describes the project on which they are agreeing, defines its scope, and details each party's roles and responsibilities. While not a legally enforceable document,1the MOU is a significant step because of the time and effort involved in negotiating and drafting an effective document. To produce an …
Advantages and Disadvantages of A Memorandum of Understanding
- A memorandum of understanding allows all parties to clearly state all of their objectives and goals. This makes for less uncertainty and prevents future unexpected disputes to occur. Furthermore, by clearly laying out what each party expects of the other, an MOU provides a blueprint for any contract both parties may or may not wish to draw up in the future. The bigges…
Real-Life Example of A Memorandum of Understanding
- During trade talks with a representative of China in Washington in April 2019, U.S. President Donald Trump was asked by a reporter how long he expected U.S.-China memorandums of understanding to last. "I don't like MOUs because they don't mean anything," the former president replied.2After some discussion, it was decided that any document that emerged from the talks …
Memorandum of Understanding FAQs
- Is an MOU a Legal Document?
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is not legally binding, although it usually signals a legal contract is imminent.1 - What Is the Difference Between an MOU and MOA?
An MOU is a document that describes very broad concepts of mutual understanding, goals, and plans shared by the parties. In contrast, an MOA is a document describing in detail the specific responsibilities of, and actions to be taken by, each of the parties so that their goals may be acc…
The Bottom Line
- Although an MOU is not legally binding, it allows parties to prepare for signing a contract by explaining the broad concepts and expectations of their agreement. Communicating in clear terms what each party hopes to gain from an agreement can be essential to the smooth execution of signing a legal contract in the future.