What is MOU, Difference between MOU and Agreement, Memorandum of Understanding India, Ebizfiling

“What is MOU?”, Difference between MOU and Agreement, and Points to keep in mind while drafting Memorandum of Understanding India

Introduction

In today’s business environment, companies enter into a variety of agreements in order to conduct their operations. When these companies negotiate with potential business partners, joint ventures, vendors, and agents, they normally reach a preliminary agreement as to the first friendly step in forming an alliance. In this article information on “What is MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)?”, Advantages of MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) India, Difference between MOU and Agreement is mentioned.

What is MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)?

In India, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), also known as a Letter of Intent, is simply a way for two parties to make an agreement. When parties agree to enter into a contract, but the formalities (such as terms and conditions) have yet to be negotiated, they enter into a Memorandum of Understanding or MOU Agreement.

 

It is created when two or more parties are having preliminary negotiations about the rights and obligations of the parties to the agreement. It is used to assess the intentions of the transacting parties before a formal agreement being made between them, and it does not confer any rights on either of them. If the parties so wish, MOUs can be kept confidential.

 

This non-legally binding Memorandum of Understanding may be useful to act as an agreement between two or more departments within the same public institution, but it is not a legally enforceable duty.

Advantages of MOU

  • Parties that want to establish a legal connection and cooperate toward a common aim or purpose before entering into a contract might sign an MOU, which is the first step toward a legal contract.

  • The parties prefer the MOU since it is easier, less complex, and takes less time than the contract.

  • This formal Agreement (MOU) has a lower level of complexity, making it a more comfortable option for the parties.

  • When the parties want to avoid any legal ramifications before signing formal contracts, an MOU is always favored.

Difference between MOU and Agreement

MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)

Agreement

A Memorandum of Understanding, or MoU, is a legal document that defines the parameters of a bilateral or multilateral agreement between two or more parties.

A contract is a written agreement between two parties to collaborate on a common goal.

MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) cannot be considered as a Legal document, therefore it cannot be considered a legal document in a court of law.

An agreement is considered as a legal document and which it is considered as a legal document in a court of law.

MOU is a Written Document.

The agreement can be a written document or an oral form.

Collateral Rights are not available in MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

Collateral Rights are Available in the Agreement.

If a memorandum is signed in exchange for money, it is legally binding on the parties.

The parties to the agreement are always bound by it.

Points to keep in mind while drafting Memorandum of Understanding India  

  • It should include the names and contact information of the parties to the memorandum of understanding.

  • The objective and aims for which the memorandum is being signed should be clearly stated.

  • It should provide a schedule for the parties’ meetings.

  • The amount of capital contribution to be given by the parties should be specified in the memorandum.

  • The MOU should be signed and dated by the authorized individuals representing each party or organization once it has been written and agreed upon by all parties involved.

  • It should also include the name of the person who has the authority to make critical financial choices.

  • The financial records of the program/assignment should be kept as well.

  • Management: The memorandum may call for the nomination of individuals to oversee the program’s day-to-day activities. It is also a good idea to highlight the job title, responsibilities, and pay.

  • The memorandum should state the term of the agreement between the parties, including the beginning and ending dates. It should also state under what circumstances the memorandum will be canceled.

FAQs on Memorandum of Understanding

1. What is the difference between MOU and Contract?

MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) are agreements between two parties to work together to achieve a common goal. A contract, on the other hand, is an agreement reached between two or more parties that is legally binding.

2. Is the MOU legally enforceable?

A Memorandum of Understanding is not a legally binding agreement. It’s a frequent term for a non-binding agreement. If an MoU is drawn for consideration, such as the exchange of money, the agreement becomes binding on the parties; otherwise, the contract is non-binding. The agreement is bound by clauses like the jurisdiction clause, applicable legislation, and indemnity.

3. Is it necessary to have the MOU notarized?

An MOU is a contract between two parties that stands for Memorandum of Understanding. If the document is notarized according to the law, it is a legally valid and important document in the case. No document can be ruled void just because it is not registered.

Conclusion

Because it is an alternative to a legally binding agreement intended to establish a legal relationship between the parties, a Memorandum of Understanding has a special power. While drafting the Memorandum of Understanding, great attention must be paid not only to the parties’ clear intentions, but also to the document’s names, language, and clauses, as failure to do so would result in a significant loss to the parties.

 

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