Letter of Intent Sample for University

LETTER OF INTENT: ACADEMIC & RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP

Document Control:

• Effective Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
• Version: 1.0
• Jurisdiction/Scope: [Governing State/Province/Country]
• Document ID: LOI-ACAD-[Unique Reference Number]

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This Letter of Intent (the “LOI”) constitutes a statement of mutual interest and intent. Except for the sections titled "Confidentiality," "Governing Law," and "Non-Binding Nature," this document is non-binding and does not create a legal obligation for either party to enter into a definitive agreement. The parties shall be bound only upon the execution of a formal, written Definitive Agreement.

I. PARTIES

This LOI is entered into by and between:

1. [University Name], located at [University Address] ("University"); and
2. [Company/Entity Name], located at [Company Address] ("Partner").

II. PURPOSE

The Parties intend to establish a collaborative relationship to explore: [Define Specific Scope: e.g., Joint Research, Internship Programs, Technology Transfer, or Clinical Trials].

III. OPERATIVE CLAUSES

1. Scope of Collaboration: The Parties agree to explore the feasibility of the project described in Section II. Both parties shall allocate appropriate personnel to evaluate the operational requirements and financial implications.
2. Confidentiality: Both parties acknowledge that proprietary information may be exchanged. Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of any non-public information disclosed, for a period of [Number] years, except as required by law or judicial process.
3. Intellectual Property (IP): Any IP existing prior to this LOI remains the property of the originating party. Rights to IP generated during the term of potential collaboration shall be specifically addressed in the Definitive Agreement.
4. Term and Termination: This LOI shall remain in effect for [Number] months from the Effective Date unless superseded by a Definitive Agreement or terminated by either party with [Number] days’ written notice.
5. Exclusivity: This agreement is [Non-Exclusive / Exclusive].
6. Governing Law: This LOI shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Jurisdiction], without regard to its conflict of law principles.

IV. SIGNATURES & ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By signing below, the authorized representatives of the Parties confirm their intent to pursue the objectives outlined above.

For [University Name]: Signature: __________________________ Printed Name: [Name] Title: [e.g., Dean, Provost, Director of Research] Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

For [Company/Entity Name]: Signature: __________________________ Printed Name: [Name] Title: [e.g., CEO, VP, Department Head] Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

V. EXECUTION GUIDE

• Authority Verification: Ensure that the University signatory holds the formal signing authority (often requiring Office of Sponsored Research or Legal Counsel approval) before execution.
• Redline/Review: Prior to signing, attach an "Exhibit A" defining the specific scope of work or technical specifications to minimize ambiguity.
• Formalization: Treat this document as the foundation for the Definitive Agreement. Establish a hard deadline (e.g., 90 days) for the conclusion of negotiations to prevent "contractual drift."
• Record Keeping: Store the fully executed PDF in your corporate legal repository/University administration portal with a calendar reminder set for 30 days prior to the LOI expiration date.