Material transfer agreements (MTAs) are contracts between parties that want to transfer something tangible for research. It can cover a variety of materials from biological materials to reagents and even prototypes.
If you are transferring material to a for-profit entity, an MTA is required to protect your intellectual property, even if you are not intending to charge a fee. If the entity is an academic or non-profit institution, an MTA is required to transfer human-derived, genetically modified, or hazardous materials. Other issues that MTAs can clarify are permitted use, modifications, fees, and publication concerns (either attribution for providing the material or withholding publication until certain conditions are met).
In most cases in which a biological material is transferred, a uniform biological material transfer agreement (UBMTA) is recommended. The UBMTA was developed by the National Institutes of Health to simplify the process of sharing proprietary materials among public and nonprofit organizations. The UO is a signatory to the UBMTA, and if the outside party is as well, it is the most expedient path to making the material available.
There are instances where the UBMTA may not create the desired distribution mode, and we can work with you to develop a simple agreement that addresses issues such as attribution, notice of intended use, or other concerns relevant to your research project.