What is a “reference to deposited biological material” in a PCT application?

According to PCT Rule 13bis.1, a “reference to deposited biological material” means “particulars given in an international application with respect to the deposit of a biological material with a depositary institution or to the biological material so deposited.”

This reference is typically included when it’s necessary for disclosing the invention in a manner sufficient for it to be carried out by a person skilled in the art, especially when the biological material is not publicly available.

To learn more:

• PCT
• biological material
• depositary institution
• patent application