Overview of the Material Transfer Agreement

Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) are executed when research materials are transferred into or out of Stony Brook University.

MTAs are important because they:

• Preserve confidentiality, which is critical if the University decides to secure a patent covering the transferred materials;
• Protect a researcher’s publication rights and the continued use of the transferred materials;
• Shield the researcher and University from liability associated with the recipient’s use of the transferred material;
• Allow the University to manage export control compliance issues;
• Enable a researcher to recover costs associated with material transfers such as shipping and handling.

As a result, whether for inbound or outbound materials, MTAs are essential legal documents that ensure that each party understands and complies with the terms of the agreement. MTAs also must be properly recorded and appropriately managed.

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