Why is an MTA needed?
An MTA is required for any biological material transfers in and/or out of TJU. An MTA is a legal document which defines the intellectual property rights of the provider and stipulates the obligations of the recipient.

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How long will the process take?
Three to four weeks. In 2007, it took an average of 26 days between when OTT received the completed MTA questionnaire and when OTT sent out or received the partially executed MTA.

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Why does the process take so long?
There are several factors that can delay the MTA process time: lack of contact information, intellectual property and/or publication related issues, negotiating with a foreign party or a for-profit entity, unresponsiveness of the other party, and delay in obtaining signatures.

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What can I do to help expedite the process?
A researcher can help expedite the review process by completing the questionnaire in a clear and detailed fashion. It is also important to provide documentation to support TJU’s ownership of the material, funding sources, and other related agreements, if any.

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Can I ship the mice or the materials before the MTA is fully executed?
No.

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Can I share the materials I received from other institutions with my colleagues next door?
No. Usually, an MTA is intended for a researcher with specific research scope.

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I want to send some materials to my collaborators or friends at other institutions. Do I need an MTA?
Yes.

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The person who provided materials to me passed away or is no longer in possession of these materials. Can I send these materials to researchers at other institutions?
No.

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OTT has records of all my previous MTAs. Do I still need to complete an MTA Questionnaire?
Yes.

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I am receiving the same materials again from the same scientist, an MTA was executed before. Do I need another MTA?
No. Unless the material is for a different research scope.

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The mice I am receiving will be sacrificed right after they arrive. The mice are not for breeding. Do I still need an MTA?
Yes.

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The plasmids I am receiving or providing are not proprietary. Do I still need an MTA?
Yes. Unless, you can provide writing documentation to support that the material is not proprietary and TJU has rights to receive or provide.

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The providing scientist said no MTA is needed. Why does TJU’s OTT still require an MTA?
The providing scientist’s institution is the owner of the material. The authority of the other institution has to provide a written statement to demonstrate that no MTA is needed.

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The scientist who created the material has given me permission to receive or provide the material. Is an MTA still required?
Yes, because the scientist is not the owner of the material. The signing authority of the owning institution (where the material was created) has to provide such permission.

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