MOU
Law & Legal abbreviation · Contract
| Stands for | Memorandum of understanding |
|---|---|
| Categories | Law & Legal |
MOU stands for Memorandum of understanding, a contract abbreviation.
Document recording the shared intentions and main terms of an arrangement, used widely between governments, agencies, universities, nonprofits and companies. Whether an MOU is legally binding depends on its wording and the parties' intent, not its title, and many state expressly that they create no enforceable obligations.
Example: The two cities signed an MOU to coordinate emergency dispatch services along their shared border.
Usage notes
Common in international relations, where states use MOUs for arrangements they do not intend as treaties. In business, parties often sign one before a definitive agreement, but courts have enforced MOUs that contain all essential terms and lack a clear statement that they are nonbinding. Also written MoU, especially in British and international usage. A related document is the memorandum of agreement (MOA).
Related abbreviations
More contract abbreviations
- LOI – Letter of intent
- LPA – Limited partnership agreement
- MAC – Material adverse change
- MAE – Material adverse effect
- MNDA – Mutual nondisclosure agreement
- MOA – Memorandum of agreement
- MSA – Master services agreement
- MTA – Material transfer agreement
- NCA – Noncompete agreement
- NDA – Nondisclosure agreement
- NTP – Notice to proceed
- PIIA – Proprietary information and inventions assignment agreement
See all 57 contract abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not legal advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.