MPEP § 2407 — Replacement or Supplement of Deposit (Annotated Rules)

§2407 Replacement or Supplement of Deposit

USPTO MPEP version: BlueIron's Update: 2025-12-31

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 2407, including statutory authority, regulatory rules, examiner guidance, and practice notes. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.

Replacement or Supplement of Deposit

This section addresses Replacement or Supplement of Deposit. Primary authority: 37 CFR 1.805. Contains: 1 prohibition.

Key Rules

Topic

Replacement Due to Viability Issues

4 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2407-197fd6775df56ee85c0ca6a6]
Replacement of Viable Biological Deposit
Note:
This rule outlines the conditions under which a viable biological deposit can be replaced, typically when it is no longer viable.

37 CFR 1.805 relates to the deposit of a biological material to replace or supplement a previous deposit. The term “replacement” is directed to those situations where one deposit is being substituted for another. An applicant may have greater latitude in replacing a deposit during the pendency of an application than after the patent is granted. Replacement will typically take place where the earlier deposit is no longer viable. The term “supplement” is directed to those situations where the earlier deposit is still viable in the sense that it is alive and capable of replication either directly or indirectly, but has lost a quality (e.g., purity, functionality) it allegedly possessed at the time the application was filed.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.805Replacement Due to Viability IssuesReplacement or Supplement of DepositDeposit of Biological Materials
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2407-84ad5b2b3514a597c1bf9785]
Greater Latitude During Pendency Than Post Grant
Note:
An applicant has more flexibility in replacing a deposit while the application is pending compared to after the patent is granted.

37 CFR 1.805 relates to the deposit of a biological material to replace or supplement a previous deposit. The term “replacement” is directed to those situations where one deposit is being substituted for another. An applicant may have greater latitude in replacing a deposit during the pendency of an application than after the patent is granted. Replacement will typically take place where the earlier deposit is no longer viable. The term “supplement” is directed to those situations where the earlier deposit is still viable in the sense that it is alive and capable of replication either directly or indirectly, but has lost a quality (e.g., purity, functionality) it allegedly possessed at the time the application was filed.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.805Replacement Due to Viability IssuesReplacement or Supplement of DepositDeposit of Biological Materials
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2407-7155c6656296f726896d87df]
Replacement Deposit When Earlier One No Longer Viable
Note:
This rule requires that a new deposit be made when the previous biological material deposit is no longer viable.

37 CFR 1.805 relates to the deposit of a biological material to replace or supplement a previous deposit. The term “replacement” is directed to those situations where one deposit is being substituted for another. An applicant may have greater latitude in replacing a deposit during the pendency of an application than after the patent is granted. Replacement will typically take place where the earlier deposit is no longer viable. The term “supplement” is directed to those situations where the earlier deposit is still viable in the sense that it is alive and capable of replication either directly or indirectly, but has lost a quality (e.g., purity, functionality) it allegedly possessed at the time the application was filed.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.805Replacement Due to Viability IssuesReplacement or Supplement of DepositDeposit of Biological Materials
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2407-68fef8803ba17b585503e295]
Supplemental Deposit When Earlier One Is Viable But Degraded
Note:
This rule allows for a supplemental deposit when the original one is still alive and capable of replication but has lost certain qualities, such as purity or functionality.

37 CFR 1.805 relates to the deposit of a biological material to replace or supplement a previous deposit. The term “replacement” is directed to those situations where one deposit is being substituted for another. An applicant may have greater latitude in replacing a deposit during the pendency of an application than after the patent is granted. Replacement will typically take place where the earlier deposit is no longer viable. The term “supplement” is directed to those situations where the earlier deposit is still viable in the sense that it is alive and capable of replication either directly or indirectly, but has lost a quality (e.g., purity, functionality) it allegedly possessed at the time the application was filed.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.805Replacement Due to Viability IssuesReplacement or Supplement of DepositDeposit of Biological Materials
Topic

Reissue and Reexamination

2 rules
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-2407-8f727612c7a21c9d12f2f5bc]
Depositor Must Notify Office of Contaminated Deposit During Pendency
Note:
A depositor must notify the Office in writing if a deposit cannot be furnished or has become contaminated during an application's pendency.

(a) A depositor, after receiving notice during the pendency of an application for patent, application for reissue patent or reexamination proceeding, that the depository possessing a deposit either cannot furnish samples thereof or can furnish samples thereof but the deposit has become contaminated or has lost its capability to function as described in the specification, shall notify the Office in writing, in each application for patent or patent affected. In such a case, or where the Office otherwise learns, during the pendency of an application for patent, application for reissue patent or reexamination proceeding, that the depository possessing a deposit either cannot furnish samples thereof or can furnish samples thereof but the deposit has become contaminated or has lost its capability to function as described in the specification, the need for making a replacement or supplemental deposit will be governed by the same considerations governing the need for making an original deposit under the provisions set forth in § 1.802(b). A replacement or supplemental deposit made during the pendency of an application for patent shall not be accepted unless it meets the requirements for making an original deposit under these regulations, including the requirement set forth under § 1.804(b). A replacement or supplemental deposit made in connection with a patent, whether or not made during the pendency of an application for reissue patent or a reexamination proceeding or both, shall not be accepted unless a certificate of correction under § 1.323 is requested by the patent owner which meets the terms of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.802(b)Reissue and ReexaminationAnnouncement of ReissueConcurrent Reissue Proceedings
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-2407-96caff9988ff731e90b9a5f9]
Replacement or Supplemental Deposit Required During Pendency
Note:
When a depository cannot provide samples or the deposit is contaminated, a replacement or supplemental deposit must be made under the same original deposit requirements.

(a) A depositor, after receiving notice during the pendency of an application for patent, application for reissue patent or reexamination proceeding, that the depository possessing a deposit either cannot furnish samples thereof or can furnish samples thereof but the deposit has become contaminated or has lost its capability to function as described in the specification, shall notify the Office in writing, in each application for patent or patent affected. In such a case, or where the Office otherwise learns, during the pendency of an application for patent, application for reissue patent or reexamination proceeding, that the depository possessing a deposit either cannot furnish samples thereof or can furnish samples thereof but the deposit has become contaminated or has lost its capability to function as described in the specification, the need for making a replacement or supplemental deposit will be governed by the same considerations governing the need for making an original deposit under the provisions set forth in § 1.802(b). A replacement or supplemental deposit made during the pendency of an application for patent shall not be accepted unless it meets the requirements for making an original deposit under these regulations, including the requirement set forth under § 1.804(b). A replacement or supplemental deposit made in connection with a patent, whether or not made during the pendency of an application for reissue patent or a reexamination proceeding or both, shall not be accepted unless a certificate of correction under § 1.323 is requested by the patent owner which meets the terms of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.802(b)Reissue and ReexaminationConcurrent Reissue ProceedingsReissue Patent Issuance
Topic

Reexamination Certificate

2 rules
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-2407-ea94255107ad96c5ae10b8f8]
Replacement Deposit Must Meet Original Deposit Requirements
Note:
A replacement deposit made during patent application pendency must comply with the same original deposit requirements as specified in §1.804(b).

(a) A depositor, after receiving notice during the pendency of an application for patent, application for reissue patent or reexamination proceeding, that the depository possessing a deposit either cannot furnish samples thereof or can furnish samples thereof but the deposit has become contaminated or has lost its capability to function as described in the specification, shall notify the Office in writing, in each application for patent or patent affected. In such a case, or where the Office otherwise learns, during the pendency of an application for patent, application for reissue patent or reexamination proceeding, that the depository possessing a deposit either cannot furnish samples thereof or can furnish samples thereof but the deposit has become contaminated or has lost its capability to function as described in the specification, the need for making a replacement or supplemental deposit will be governed by the same considerations governing the need for making an original deposit under the provisions set forth in § 1.802(b). A replacement or supplemental deposit made during the pendency of an application for patent shall not be accepted unless it meets the requirements for making an original deposit under these regulations, including the requirement set forth under § 1.804(b). A replacement or supplemental deposit made in connection with a patent, whether or not made during the pendency of an application for reissue patent or a reexamination proceeding or both, shall not be accepted unless a certificate of correction under § 1.323 is requested by the patent owner which meets the terms of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.802(b)Reexamination CertificateReissue and ReexaminationAnnouncement of Reissue
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-2407-c1ecb74d7c0ec733f26428aa]
Certificate of Correction Requirement for Deposit Replacement
Note:
A certificate of correction under §1.323 must be requested by the patent owner to accept a replacement or supplemental deposit, whether during pendency or post-issuance.

(a) A depositor, after receiving notice during the pendency of an application for patent, application for reissue patent or reexamination proceeding, that the depository possessing a deposit either cannot furnish samples thereof or can furnish samples thereof but the deposit has become contaminated or has lost its capability to function as described in the specification, shall notify the Office in writing, in each application for patent or patent affected. In such a case, or where the Office otherwise learns, during the pendency of an application for patent, application for reissue patent or reexamination proceeding, that the depository possessing a deposit either cannot furnish samples thereof or can furnish samples thereof but the deposit has become contaminated or has lost its capability to function as described in the specification, the need for making a replacement or supplemental deposit will be governed by the same considerations governing the need for making an original deposit under the provisions set forth in § 1.802(b). A replacement or supplemental deposit made during the pendency of an application for patent shall not be accepted unless it meets the requirements for making an original deposit under these regulations, including the requirement set forth under § 1.804(b). A replacement or supplemental deposit made in connection with a patent, whether or not made during the pendency of an application for reissue patent or a reexamination proceeding or both, shall not be accepted unless a certificate of correction under § 1.323 is requested by the patent owner which meets the terms of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.802(b)Reexamination CertificateReissue and ReexaminationConclusion of Ex Parte Reexamination
Topic

Replacement or Supplement of Deposit

2 rules
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-2407-e9d543e90e869e13b50f4550]
Request for Certificate of Correction Must Be Prompt After Deposit
Note:
A request for a certificate of correction must be made promptly after the replacement or supplemental deposit has been made and must include specific statements and show diligent action.
(c) A request for a certificate of correction under this section shall not be granted unless the request is made promptly after the replacement or supplemental deposit has been made and the request:
  • (1) Includes a statement of the reason for making the replacement or supplemental deposit;
  • (2) Includes a statement from a person in a position to corroborate the fact, and stating that the replacement or supplemental deposit is of a biological material which is identical to that originally deposited;
  • (3) Includes a showing that the patent owner acted diligently —
    • (i) In the case of a replacement deposit, in making the deposit after receiving notice that samples could no longer be furnished from an earlier deposit; or
    • (ii) In the case of a supplemental deposit, in making the deposit after receiving notice that the earlier deposit had become contaminated or had lost its capability to function as described in the specification;
  • (4) Includes a statement that the term of the replacement or supplemental deposit expires no earlier than the term of the deposit being replaced or supplemented; and
  • (5) Otherwise establishes compliance with these regulations.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.805Replacement or Supplement of DepositDeposit of Biological MaterialsPatent Application Content
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2407-2ec1d0ae9beebf1d90ae69b0]
Requirement for Replacing or Supplementing Biological Deposit
Note:
This rule outlines the conditions and procedures for replacing or supplementing a previous biological deposit, distinguishing between replacement and supplementation based on viability and quality.

37 CFR 1.805 relates to the deposit of a biological material to replace or supplement a previous deposit. The term “replacement” is directed to those situations where one deposit is being substituted for another. An applicant may have greater latitude in replacing a deposit during the pendency of an application than after the patent is granted. Replacement will typically take place where the earlier deposit is no longer viable. The term “supplement” is directed to those situations where the earlier deposit is still viable in the sense that it is alive and capable of replication either directly or indirectly, but has lost a quality (e.g., purity, functionality) it allegedly possessed at the time the application was filed.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.805Replacement or Supplement of DepositDeposit of Biological MaterialsReplacement Due to Viability Issues
Topic

When Deposit is Required

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2407-5f8fa9cc1d7f3e124b139d2e]
No Supplemental Deposit Required for Unnecessary Deposits
Note:
A replacement or supplemental deposit of a biological material is not required when the material, as per §1.802(b), does not need to be deposited.

(g) In no case is a replacement or supplemental deposit of a biological material necessary where the biological material, in accordance with § 1.802(b), need not be deposited.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.802(b)When Deposit is RequiredDeposit of Biological MaterialsReplacement or Supplement of Deposit
Topic

PTAB Jurisdiction

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2407-99751496fbd8d1b6313b6b29]
Depository Can Provide Samples but Not Outside Jurisdiction
Note:
A depository is permitted to provide samples of biological materials but not outside its jurisdiction due to national security, health, or environmental safety reasons.

(h) No replacement deposit of a biological material is necessary where a depository can furnish samples thereof but the depository for national security, health or environmental safety reasons is unable to provide samples to requesters outside of the jurisdiction where the depository is located.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.805PTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case ProceduresAccess to Deposited Material

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Reexamination Certificate
Reissue and Reexamination
37 CFR § 1.323
Reexamination Certificate
Reissue and Reexamination
When Deposit is Required
37 CFR § 1.802(b)
Reexamination Certificate
Reissue and Reexamination
37 CFR § 1.804(b)
Replacement Due to Viability Issues
Replacement or Supplement of Deposit
37 CFR § 1.805

Source Text from USPTO’s MPEP

This is an exact copy of the MPEP from the USPTO. It is here for your reference to see the section in context.

BlueIron Last Updated: 2025-12-31