Letter of Intent Format for University

LETTER OF INTENT: ACADEMIC/INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIP

DOCUMENT CONTROL

• Effective Date: [Date]
• Version: 1.0
• Jurisdiction: [State/Country]
• Scope: Memorandum of Intent regarding [Project/Initiative Name]

LEGAL NOTICE & DISCLAIMER

This document is a formal expression of intent and, except for the clauses specifically designated as binding (Confidentiality, Governing Law, and Exclusivity), does not constitute a legally binding agreement. The parties acknowledge that this document serves as a framework to facilitate negotiations toward a Definitive Agreement. No party shall be bound by any obligation to enter into a transaction until such time as a formal contract is executed by authorized signatories.

I. PARTIES

This Letter of Intent ("LOI") is entered into by and between:

1. [University Name], a non-profit institution of higher education with its principal office at [University Address] ("University").
2. [Partner/Company Name], a [Legal Entity Type] with its principal office at [Company Address] ("Partner").

II. OPERATIVE CLAUSES

1. OBJECTIVE: The parties intend to collaborate on [Brief description of project, e.g., research, internship program, or technology transfer].

2. SCOPE OF WORK: The parties shall jointly develop a project charter outlining the specific deliverables, timelines, and allocation of resources within [Number] days of the Effective Date.

3. FINANCIAL TERMS: Each party shall be responsible for its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the evaluation and negotiation of this project, unless otherwise specified in a subsequent Definitive Agreement.

4. CONFIDENTIALITY (BINDING): Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary, technical, and commercial information disclosed during the negotiation period. This obligation shall remain in effect for a period of [Number] years from the date of disclosure.

5. EXCLUSIVITY (BINDING): During the negotiation period ending on [Expiration Date], the parties agree to negotiate in good faith and shall not solicit or enter into discussions with third parties regarding the subject matter of this LOI.

6. GOVERNING LAW (BINDING): This LOI shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Jurisdiction], without regard to its conflict of law principles.

7. TERMINATION: Either party may terminate this LOI upon [Number] days' written notice to the other party.

III. SIGNATURES & ACKNOWLEDGMENT

FOR: [UNIVERSITY NAME]

Signature: __________________________
Printed Name: [Name of Authorized Signatory]
Title: [Title, e.g., Provost/Dean/VP of Research]
Date: [Date]

FOR: [PARTNER/COMPANY NAME]

Signature: __________________________
Printed Name: [Name of Authorized Signatory]
Title: [Title, e.g., CEO/Director]
Date: [Date]

IV. EXECUTION GUIDE

1. Authorization: Ensure the university signatory holds delegated authority (e.g., Office of Sponsored Programs or Office of General Counsel) to bind the institution.
2. Due Diligence: Perform an internal review of the "Binding" clauses (Confidentiality/Exclusivity) with your legal department, as these carry immediate legal weight regardless of the "non-binding" disclaimer.
3. Transmission: Execute two original copies. Deliver one signed counterpart to the opposing party via certified mail or secure digital signature platform (e.g., DocuSign/Adobe Sign).
4. Transition: Create a "Definitive Agreement" project folder immediately upon execution to track the transition from this LOI to a formal master service agreement (MSA) or research agreement.