Free template · Business
Memorandum of understanding template
Short answer
A memorandum of understanding, or MOU, records how two organisations intend to work together: the shared purpose, what each will do, how costs are handled and how either can step away. It is mostly not legally binding. This template is free to fill in and download as a PDF, and you can send it for e-signature in Sign PDF with each party's boxes placed for you.
Updated 25 October 2026
What's in this memorandum of understanding
The full text. Words in brackets are filled in from the form above.
- 1. Parties. This memorandum of understanding is dated [Date] and is between [Party A name] (Party A) and [Party B name] (Party B).
- 2. Purpose. The parties intend to work together for the following purpose: [Purpose].
- 3. Party A's role. Party A intends to: [What Party A will do].
- 4. Party B's role. Party B intends to: [What Party B will do].
- 5. Working together. Each party will name a contact person, keep the other informed of progress and problems, and meet or speak at reasonable intervals to review how the cooperation is going.
- 6. Costs. Each party will bear its own costs of taking part unless the parties agree otherwise in writing. Nothing in this memorandum obliges either party to pay money to the other.
- 7. Term. This memorandum runs from [Start date] to [End date] unless extended in writing. Either party may withdraw at any time by giving 30 days' written notice to the other.
- 8. Use of names and logos. Neither party will use the other's name, logo or trade marks in publicity without the other's prior written approval.
- 9. Confidentiality. Each party will keep confidential any non-public information it receives from the other under this memorandum and use it only for the purpose above.
- 10. Intellectual property. Each party keeps ownership of the intellectual property it brings to the cooperation. Rights in anything created jointly will be agreed in writing before it is used outside the cooperation.
- 11. Legal effect. This memorandum records the parties' intentions and is not legally binding, except for the clauses headed Use of names and logos, Confidentiality, Intellectual property and Governing law, which are binding and continue after it ends. It does not create a partnership, joint venture or agency.
- 12. Governing law. This memorandum is governed by the laws of [Governing law].
- Signed by: the Party A, the Party B, each with a signature, printed name and date.
When to use an MOU
Use it for cooperation that matters but does not need a full contract: a charity working with a school, two businesses co-hosting events, a university and a company sharing research, a referral arrangement, a community partnership. It sets expectations and names the people responsible, without lawyers drafting every detail.
If money will change hands for services, or one side is relying on the other to deliver something specific, use a contract or services agreement instead.
What the key clauses do
These are the parts MOU templates are searched for, and what partners usually ask about first.
- Purpose: the shared goal in a sentence or two.
- Roles: what each party will contribute, so nobody assumes the other is doing it.
- Costs: each side pays its own unless they agree otherwise in writing.
- Names and logos: neither uses the other's brand without approval.
- Confidentiality and ownership: binding, so shared information and existing intellectual property stay protected.
- Term and ending: start and end dates, and how either can withdraw with notice.
How to adapt it
Write each party's role as concrete actions, such as 'provide a meeting room once a month' or 'promote the programme in its newsletter'. If you want any other clause to be binding, say so in the binding clauses section. Public bodies and charities may have their own rules on MOUs and data sharing; check them.
This template is a starting point, not legal advice. If the partnership involves personal data, significant money or intellectual property, have a lawyer review it under the governing law you choose.
Getting the MOU signed
Fill in the boxes above and download the MOU as a PDF, free and with no account. To get it signed, send it from Sign PDF: the signature, name and date boxes for Party A and Party B are already placed and labelled, so you only add each signer's email.
Each signer opens an email link, confirms a six-digit code sent to their inbox and signs in the browser on a phone or laptop, with no app and no account. When the last person signs, the boxes are written into the PDF, a certificate of completion is added at the end, and the file is sealed with a digital signature and a timestamp so any later change shows.
The Light plan at $5 a month covers 2 documents a month. The Full plan at $10 a month has no limit and lets you save this document as a template, with a signing order and reminders.
Questions people ask
Is an MOU legally binding?
Usually not, apart from the clauses it says are binding. This template makes confidentiality, ownership of intellectual property, use of names and governing law binding, and leaves the rest as a statement of intent.
Who should sign an MOU?
Someone with authority for each organisation, such as a director, chief executive, head teacher or chair. Their name and title should appear under their signature.
Can an MOU be signed electronically?
Yes. An electronic signature is accepted for MOUs in most countries, and Sign PDF records each signature in a certificate attached to the PDF.
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