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What Does Non-binding Mean and Why Should I Care?

Photo of an arm chained to a wall, symbolizing binding vs. non-binding obligationsThis post discusses the meaning of non-binding with respect to a letter of intent (LOI) or a memorandum of understanding (MOU). (Non-binding has a similar meaning in other legal contexts, such as legislation or arbitration, but I will not discuss those contexts here.)

Although I will refer to solely an LOI in the remainder of this post, the following pertains to an MOU, as well.

Please note that whereas “memorandum of understanding” and “letter of intent” are the terms typically used in the U.S., the corresponding term in the U.K. is “heads of terms“. (more…)

What is a Letter of Intent?

Logo for Quora, where Dana Shultz answered a question about what a letter of intent is

Today I answered a Quora question about what a letter of intent is and what it should contain. The question and my answer (each edited slightly) are reproduced below.

Q. What is a letter of intent? What are the legal implications of a letter of intent? What is the purpose? Which elements minimally comprise a letter of intent?

(more…)