Memorandum of understanding

                                      Memorandum of understandings

A memorandum of understanding is an agreement between two or more parties outlined in a formal document. It is not legally binding but signals the willingness of the parties to move forward with a contract. 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. 

       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. MOUs communicate the mutually accepted expectations of the people, organizations, or governments involved. They are most often used in international relations because, unlike treaties, they can be produced relatively quickly and in secret. They also are in use in many government agencies, particularly when major contracts are in the planning stages.

        An MOU is important because it allows each party to clearly state their objectives and what they expect from one another. Drafting an MOU can help solve any disputes before each party enters into a legally binding contract.

one may see this type of document referred to by a few different names.

 Common names for a memorandum of understanding include:

 ∙ MOU 

∙ Memorandum of Understanding Form 

∙ MOU Agreement

When Should You Use a Memorandum of Understanding?

 Here are a few common reasons for using an MOU:

 1. To own of a business and plan to partner with another business. 

2. to own a small business and frequently partner with others.

 3. Another business has asked about working with your business.

 4. When your company and another business want to work on a specific project together.

      Although an MOU is a formal document, it is typically not legally binding. Instead, the MOU is used to demonstrate each party's willingness to take whatever action is necessary to move a contract forward. The memorandum of understanding also defines the purposes and the scope of negotiations. In other words, the MOU document acts as the foundation for negotiations. 

These types of agreements are used frequently in:

1.  Business opportunity discussions

2. Business opportunity negotiations

3. Treaty negotiations.

      Before preparing the document, the parties who are creating a memorandum of understanding must reach an understanding that all parties accept. Everyone involved should have clear information about the important stances each party holds. This way, the parties can create a complete and effective MOU document. To create a memorandum of understanding, both (or all) parties typically first prepare their own MOU documents that discuss:

 ∙ Ideal expectations 

∙ Desired outcomes

 ∙ Any essential outcomes that they would not compromise on 

∙ How they believe the other stakeholders can benefit from the memorandum of understanding.

 A memorandum of understanding serves to demonstrate each party's initial position before entering into negotiations.

       Lastly even if 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.