Memorandum of Understanding
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is a document that acts as a guideline governing two or more parties. It records the mutual understanding, goals, and plans of the parties while often leaving the formal contract for a later date.
Parties involved:
- First party
This could be an individual, a company, or a group of individuals and/ or companies entering into a formal relationship with the second party.
- Second-party
This could also be an individual, a company, or a group of individuals and/ or companies entering into a formal relationship with the first party. There may be more parties – third-party, fourth-party, etc. – depending on the nature of engagement.
Essentials of an MoU
Purpose
An MoU should clearly mention the purpose of engagement i.e., why are you entering into the relationship.
Objective
It should include the objective for drawing the MoU – what is it that you wish to achieve through the MoU.
Duties, responsibilities, and restrictions
It should establish a clear expectation setting – what each party needs to do, not do, and what they can expect from the other party(ies).
Confidentiality
It should mandate maintenance of the confidentiality of trade secrets, intellectual properties, and other sensitive information shared by the parties.
Financial responsibilities
If the relationship involves monetary exchange then it should include all financial details like who is responsible to make the payments, who is the receiver, amount, date of payment, etc.
Alterations and termination
It should leave room for any alterations, modifications, etc. It should also allow for termination of the agreement, obligations, etc. as and when needed.
Why do you need an MoU?
- Clear communication
It helps with better communication of expectations, goals, and objectives and thus helps in the establishment of mutual understanding.
- Simple and liberal drafting
It is often a stepping stone for a more detailed, formal contract and thus there are no rigid requirements as to the clauses and structure of an MoU.
- Flexibility
It allows you to decide its nature and implication upon other parties. If you wish to have something more than a guideline, if you wish to bring in some accountability in the form of an enforceable contract, then you are free to do so by adding a few other clauses like dispute resolution and governing laws, legally binding intentions of the parties, etc.
USPs of Lawfarm Services
- Fixed Fees
Fees are fixed for each Service and Plan. Browse through the Plans and choose one that you need. - Fixed Steps and Timelines
Each Plan gives the timeline by which you will get your legal deliverable, and inclusions such as lawyer consultation, number of revisions, etc.
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Your dedicated Customer Success Manager will make sure you get your Plan inclusions in time. For any queries you can contact him/her. - Top Verified Lawyers
We work with lawyers with over 10,000 hours of experience in the area of work which you require. Your legal deliverable is in safe hands.
Are you one of these?
- An entrepreneur in talks with a prospective partner
- A startup looking to start a collaboration
- A business owner getting into a formal relationship
- A company kick-starting a new engagement
But why do you need a customized MoU?
- Do you have a unique business model?
- Is your engagement peculiar to your business?
- Do you have specific expectations and requirements for the engagement, unique to your business?