sharing & innovation/OpenMTA
The Open Material Transfer Agreement (OpenMTA) is a simple, standardized legal tool that enables individuals and organizations to share their materials on an open basis.
Developed as a collaborative effort between the BioBricks Foundation and the OpenPlant Initiative, with input from researchers, technology transfer professionals, social scientists, lawyers, and other stakeholders from across the globe, the OpenMTA reflects the values of open communities and the practical realities of technology transfer. Features include:
ACCESS. Materials available under the OpenMTA are free of any royalty or fees, other than appropriate and nominal fees for preparation and distribution.
ATTRIBUTION. Providers may request attribution and reporting for materials distributed under the OpenMTA.
REUSE. Materials available under the OpenMTA may be modified or used to create new substances.
REDISTRIBUTION. The OpenMTA does not restrict any party from selling or giving away the materials, either as received or as part of a collection or derivative work.
NONDISCRIMINATION. The OpenMTA supports the transfer of material between researchers at all types of institutions, including those at academic, industry, government, and community laboratories.
Have questions about the OpenMTA?
Browse the OpenMTA FAQs below for more information.
Open MTA was developed as a collaborative effort between the BioBricks Foundation and
Find out more about the OpenMTA
Individual Researchers
Sign up to get more information on becoming a champion for the OpenMTA at your institution.
Institutions
Sign up to learn how your institution can become an initial signatory to the OpenMTA.