NCIMB is recognised throughout the world as a depository for organisms that are the subject of patent applications. The Collection has held the status of International Depositary Authority under the Budapest Treaty since 1982. Any organism deposited under the Treaty with culture collections meets the deposit requirements of patent offices in all countries party to the Treaty. These include patent offices in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Japan, the Soviet Union, most European countries, and the European Patent Office itself.

NCIMB accepts bacteria, yeasts, bacteriophages and plasmids, including recombinants, provided that their hazard rating and physical containment requirements are no greater than ACDP category 2 or ACGM class 1.  We also accept orthodox plant seeds.

Further information on making a deposit and the necessary forms can be found on our downloads page.