A memorandum of understanding, or MOU, is a nonbinding agreement that states each party's intentions to take action, conduct a business transaction, or form a new partnership. This type of agreement may also be referred to as a letter of intent (LOI) or memorandum of agreement (MOA). An MOU is important because it defines the responsibilities of each party in an agreement, provides the scope and authority of the agreement, clarifies terms and outlines compliance issues..The MOUs are as: