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Request Agreements

Material Transfer Agreement

Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) are legal contracts that protect intellectual property rights during the transfer of tangible research materials—such as chemicals, plant- or animal-derived material, or software—from one institution to another.

An MTA is required if the material is:

  • being provided to a for-profit institution
  • being sent to a foreign institution
  • confidential, not published or not publicly disclosed
  • controlled by an existing agreement with a third party that restricts the transfer of the material
  • disclosed as an invention
  • hazardous
  • human biological material
  • intended for in vivo research
  • licensed
  • potentially marketable

Incoming MTAs

Incoming MTAs govern the transfer of material from another research institution, nonprofit, or for-profit to the University. MTAs are managed by the Sponsored Projects Administration.

Outgoing MTAs

Outgoing MTAs govern the transfer of material from the University to another research institution, nonprofit, or for-profit.

Fill out the MTA Request Form and email it to otcagree@umn.edu. The Tech Comm Contracts staff will contact you with questions and keep you updated on the process.

Plant Material Testing Agreement

The Plant Material Testing Agreement (PMTA) controls the transfer of plant materials from the owner or authorized licensee to a research institution or grower who plans to test the plant variety in their environment.

Complete the PMTA Request Form and email it to otcagree@umn.edu.

Non-Disclosure Agreement

Companies may contact you because they are interested in sponsoring, licensing your research, or to learn more about your lab and your program. Non-disclosure agreements (NDA)—also called confidentiality agreements—protect intellectual property when you share information about confidential research and ideas. Click here to learn more about non-disclosure agreements and when you might need one.

Discussions About Collaborations & Sponsored Research

If the company wants to discuss a new collaboration, future project or sponsor research, please contact Sponsored Projects Administration at UFRA@umn.edu.

Discussions About Disclosed Technologies or Your Research Program

If the company wants to discuss a previously reported technology or learn more about your research program, please request an NDA.

For any general inquiries or questions about non-disclosure agreements please see the Contact Us page for Tech Comm staff and their field of expertise.