NIBSC was granted status as an International Depositary Authority (IDA) in January 2004. Stem cell lines required for patent purposes may thus be deposited with NIBSC. Samples from stem cell lines approved by the Steering Committee and banked by the UKSCB, may be transferred to NIBSC patent deposit at the request of the depositor.
A Guide to the Deposit of Cultures for Patent Purposes at NIBSC can be downloaded here
An Application Form and a Biohazard Risk Assessment will need to be completed and returned to NIBSC at the address on the forms given alongside.
Overseas researchers wishing to deposit human embryonic stem cell lines for patent purposes are reminded that NIBSC will be required to complete the UK Steering Committee’s application form: Application to Import Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines into the UK. This may require that the depositor supply additional information to NIBSC in order that the UK Steering Committee can assure itself, in the case of cell lines not previously imported into the UK, that the cell line has been ethically sourced with fully informed and free donor consent.