Request an MTA/DTA(DUA)/CDA
Collaborate with Confidence:
Material Transfer Agreement (MTA)
Data Transfer/Use Agreement (DTA/DUA)
Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA)
Collaboration is central to research, but it needs the right structure to protect your work. When sharing materials, data, or confidential information with researchers outside USC, these agreements help preserve intellectual property, manage risk, and set clear expectations from the start.
MTAs, DTAs or DUAs, and CDAs are formal agreements between USC and external collaborators that govern how materials, data, and information are shared and used. The Stevens Center manages these agreements on your behalf, guiding the process so collaboration can move forward while your research interests remain protected.
How to Request an MTA or DTA/DUA
Fill out the relevant request in MTAShare, USC’s agreement management system. Simply log on using your USC NetID and password, and follow the prompts.
If you have questions, please email mta@stevens.usc.edu.
How to request a CDA
To request a CDA, fill out the relevant request information in Inteum’s Agreement Portal, using your USC NetID and password. Alternatively, you may reach out to a licensing manager from the USC Stevens team to assist you directly.
USC Stevens Center processes over
600
MTAs and DTAs anually
How to transfer materials and/or data to or from another institution (MTA, DTA/DUA)
What Are MTAs and DTAs?
Material Transfer Agreement (MTA): This type of contract protects your inventions and USC’s intellectual property when tangible materials (e.g., research tools, biological samples) are transferred between USC and another institution or company. Data Transfer or Use Agreement (DTA/DUA): Similar to an MTA, but specifically focuses on data rather than tangible materials. MTAs and DTA/DUAs help:
- Define how materials or data may be used.
- Limit liability.
- Ensure proper credit for developers and owners.
When Do You Need an MTA or DTA/DUA?
You must have an MTA or DTA/DUA for every exchange of materials or data with another entity, whether it’s inbound (to USC) or outbound (from USC).
How to Request an MTA or DTA/DUA
Fill out the relevant request in MTAShare, USC’s agreement management system. Simply log on using your USC NetID and password, and follow the prompts.
The USC Stevens Center will prepare a draft agreement or review the third party’s draft agreement and send it to the other party after receiving all required information.
An authorized member of the USC Stevens Center will sign MTAs and DTA/DUAs on behalf of USC.
We transitioned to MTAShare, a specialized platform for managing MTAs and DTA/DUAs, in March 2025. The system has significantly reduced processing times, automated handling of standard agreements, and provides status tracking and real-time updates.
If you have MTAShare support and agreement questions, please email mta@stevens.usc.edu.
Disclosing USC intellectual property (CDA)
What Is a CDA?
Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA): This contract protects inventions and USC inventions and other USC intellectual property. It defines the permitted use and distribution of non-public information shared between institutions and entities. This includes:
- Research status or results.
- Unpublished patent information.
- Planned research details.
When Do You Need a CDA?
To share USC confidential information regarding research from your lab or inventions with a third party or to receive confidential information from a third party regarding licensing or shared research results, a CDA may be required. To request a CDA, fill out the relevant information in Inteum’s Agreement Portal. Simply log on using your USC NetID and password, and follow the prompts. Alternatively, you may reach out to a licensing manager from the Stevens team [link to licensing team] to assist you directly.
The Stevens Center does not handle confidentiality agreements needed for other reasons, such as consulting arrangements, sponsored research, clinical trials, purchasing, or human resources. Please refer to the Other Resources page for more information.