Understanding Material Transfer Agreements
A Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) is a legal document that governs the transfer of tangible research materials between at least two parties, where the recipients intend to use the materials for their own research purposes. The MTA defines the rights of the provider and the recipient concerning the materials and any derivatives. Biological materials such as reagents, cell lines, plasmids, and vectors are the most frequently transferred materials. However, MTAs may also cover other types of materials, including chemical compounds and certain types of software.
To initiate this process, please download and complete the Material Transfer Agreement Request Form.
Download Material Transfer Agreement Request Form
When to Use a Material Transfer Agreement
Consider initiating an MTA when you plan to:
- Send or receive tangible research materials, such as biological samples, chemical compounds, or specific software, to or from an external entity.
- Collaborate with external researchers or organizations requiring the exchange of research materials.
- Ensure that the transferred materials are used solely for specified research purposes and are not redistributed without permission.
Submission Process
To initiate a Material Transfer Agreement:
- Download and complete the Material Transfer Agreement Request Form.
- Email the completed form to OSU Advantage at [email protected].
Note: Please do not ship or receive any materials until the MTA is fully negotiated and executed by all parties.
Important Considerations
When completing the MTA Request Form, be prepared to provide:
- A detailed description of the materials to be transferred.
- Information about the intended use of the materials by the recipient.
- Any third-party rights or obligations associated with the materials, such as funding sources or existing agreements.
- Whether confidential information will be shared alongside the materials.
- Compliance considerations, including export control regulations.
For any questions or further assistance, please contact us at [email protected].