NIBSC was granted IDA status in January 2004. Stem cell lines required for patent purposes may thus be deposited with NIBSC. Samples from banked stem cell lines, approved by the UK Steering Committee, may be transferred to NIBSC patent deposit on the request of the depositor. Patent Deposit and a Biohazard Risk Assessment forms must be completed and returned to NIBSC at the address on the form before a deposit can be accepted. Details of the requirements for depositing stem cell lines for patent purposes at NIBSC are contained in the NIBSC Guide to the Deposit of Cultures for Patent Purposes.
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(s) has been ethically sourced with fully informed and free donor consent.