The Importance of:
Material Transfer Agreement (MTA)
Data Transfer/Use Agreement (DTA/DUA)
Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA)

When working with researchers at other institutions, it’s important to protect your intellectual property, limit liability, and to properly document the materials, data and information you are sharing. This is achieved using an MTA, DTA/DUA or CDA and the Stevens Center handles negotiations on your behalf.

They are an agreement between USC and third party collaborators and it governs the transfer of proprietary tangible research materials, data and/or information. These agreements are important to preserve rights and set expectations between the parties involved.

Beginning March 2025, we are transitioning to MTAShare, a specialized platform for managing MTAs and DTA/DUAs. This system will significantly reduce processing times, automate handling of standard agreements, and provide status tracking and real-time updates. We encourage you to start using MTAShare now.

Please note that the Stevens Center will retire Sophia in Summer 2025 and MTAShare will be fully implemented.

How to transfer materials and/or data to or from another institution (MTA, DTA)

What Are MTAs and DTAs?

Material Transfer Agreement (MTA): A contract that 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.

Both 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

  • You can use the worksheets provided below to gather information and consult with collaborators before completing an MTA or DTA/DUA.

Download
MTA/DTA Request INBOUND
(.docx format)

Download
MTA/DTA Request OUTBOUND
(.docx format)

  • 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.

If you have questions, please email mta@stevens.usc.edu.

Disclosing USC intellectual property (CDA)

What Is a CDA?

A Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA) is a contract that protects inventions and USC inventions and other USC intellectual property. They define 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?

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 a CDA

  • Fill out a CDA request in Sophia. Simply log on using your USC NetID and password, and follow the prompts.
  • Note: Sophia is scheduled to be phased out in Summer 2025.
  • An authorized member of the USC Stevens Center for Innovation will sign CDAs on behalf of USC.

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.