MPEP § 2409 — Viability of Deposit (Annotated Rules)

§2409 Viability of Deposit

USPTO MPEP version: BlueIron's Update: 2026-01-17

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 2409, 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.

Viability of Deposit

This section addresses Viability of Deposit. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 112, 37 CFR 1.807, and 37 CFR 1.807(c). Contains: 2 requirements, 1 prohibition, 1 guidance statement, and 4 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Compliance with Budapest Treaty

7 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2409-1ab91b12bf05af3c726b2f3e]
Viability Statement for Non-Budapest Treaty Deposits Required
Note:
A viability statement must be filed for each biological material deposit not made under the Budapest Treaty, including details of the depository, depositor, and testing procedures.
(b) A viability statement for each deposit of a biological material defined in paragraph (a) of this section not made under the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure must be filed in the application and must contain:
  • (1) The name and address of the depository;
  • (2) The name and address of the depositor;
  • (3) The date of deposit;
  • (4) The identity of the deposit and the accession number given by the depository;
  • (5) The date of the viability test;
  • (6) The procedures used to obtain a sample if the test is not done by the depository; and
  • (7) A statement that the deposit is capable of reproduction.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.807Compliance with Budapest TreatyBudapest Treaty DepositsDeposit of Biological Materials
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2409-3ae66976705bd2e0367cd365]
Viability Statement for Biological Deposit Must Include Reproduction Capability
Note:
A viability statement for a biological deposit must include a declaration that the deposit is capable of reproduction if not made under the Budapest Treaty.

(b) A viability statement for each deposit of a biological material defined in paragraph (a) of this section not made under the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure must be filed in the application and must contain:

(7) A statement that the deposit is capable of reproduction.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.807Compliance with Budapest TreatyBudapest Treaty DepositsDeposit of Biological Materials
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2409-3177c3e6d0e19e409acfa1bb]
Deposit Viability Must Be Confirmed
Note:
The deposit must be tested for viability before acceptance, and a mere statement of acceptance under the Budapest Treaty satisfies 37 CFR 1.807.

Under the Budapest Treaty, there is a requirement that the deposit be tested for viability before it is accepted. Thus, a mere statement by an applicant, an authorized representative of applicant or the assignee that the deposit has been accepted under the Budapest Treaty would satisfy 37 CFR 1.807. The examiner should note the clear distinction between a statement by the applicant that the deposit has been made under the Budapest Treaty and one in which the deposit has been made and accepted under the Budapest Treaty. Where a statement is merely an indication that a deposit has been made (with no indication as to whether it has been accepted), there is no assurance that the requirements under 35 U.S.C. 112 have been satisfied.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.807Compliance with Budapest TreatyBudapest Treaty DepositsDeposit of Biological Materials
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-2409-febfb398fa8a0b962dd094ca]
Deposit Must Be Tested for Viability
Note:
The examiner must ensure the deposit has been tested and accepted under the Budapest Treaty to satisfy 35 U.S.C. 112 requirements.

Under the Budapest Treaty, there is a requirement that the deposit be tested for viability before it is accepted. Thus, a mere statement by an applicant, an authorized representative of applicant or the assignee that the deposit has been accepted under the Budapest Treaty would satisfy 37 CFR 1.807. The examiner should note the clear distinction between a statement by the applicant that the deposit has been made under the Budapest Treaty and one in which the deposit has been made and accepted under the Budapest Treaty. Where a statement is merely an indication that a deposit has been made (with no indication as to whether it has been accepted), there is no assurance that the requirements under 35 U.S.C. 112 have been satisfied.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.807Compliance with Budapest TreatyBudapest Treaty DepositsDeposit of Biological Materials
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2409-f318dab77f30e72432cca6f2]
Deposit Must Be Tested for Viability
Note:
A deposit must be tested for viability before it is accepted under the Budapest Treaty to satisfy 35 U.S.C. 112 requirements.

Under the Budapest Treaty, there is a requirement that the deposit be tested for viability before it is accepted. Thus, a mere statement by an applicant, an authorized representative of applicant or the assignee that the deposit has been accepted under the Budapest Treaty would satisfy 37 CFR 1.807. The examiner should note the clear distinction between a statement by the applicant that the deposit has been made under the Budapest Treaty and one in which the deposit has been made and accepted under the Budapest Treaty. Where a statement is merely an indication that a deposit has been made (with no indication as to whether it has been accepted), there is no assurance that the requirements under 35 U.S.C. 112 have been satisfied.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.807Compliance with Budapest TreatyBudapest Treaty DepositsDeposit of Biological Materials
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2409-a77f6077c3f0696658741078]
Viability Statement Requirement for Non-Budapest Treaty Deposits
Note:
A viability statement must be filed in the patent application for deposits not made under the Budapest Treaty, containing specific information as listed.

For each deposit which is not made under the Budapest Treaty, a viability statement must be filed in the patent application and contain the information listed in paragraph (b) of this section. Under 37 CFR 1.807(c), the examiner will accept the conclusion set forth in a viability statement which is issued by a depository recognized under 37 CFR 1.803(a). If the viability test indicates that the deposit is not viable upon receipt, or the examiner cannot, for scientific or other valid reasons, accept the statement of viability received from the applicant, the examiner shall so notify the applicant stating the reasons for not accepting the statement and proceed with the examination process as if no deposit had been made.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.807(c)Compliance with Budapest TreatyBudapest Treaty DepositsDeposit of Biological Materials
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-2409-93a7e36a75a2dfd2cf11e228]
Deposit Not Viable If Not Acceptable
Note:
If the deposit fails viability testing or the examiner cannot accept the applicant's viability statement, the examiner will notify the applicant and proceed as if no deposit was made.

For each deposit which is not made under the Budapest Treaty, a viability statement must be filed in the patent application and contain the information listed in paragraph (b) of this section. Under 37 CFR 1.807(c), the examiner will accept the conclusion set forth in a viability statement which is issued by a depository recognized under 37 CFR 1.803(a). If the viability test indicates that the deposit is not viable upon receipt, or the examiner cannot, for scientific or other valid reasons, accept the statement of viability received from the applicant, the examiner shall so notify the applicant stating the reasons for not accepting the statement and proceed with the examination process as if no deposit had been made.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.807(c)Compliance with Budapest TreatyBudapest Treaty DepositsDeposit of Biological Materials
Topic

Deposit of Biological Materials

5 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2409-95bae2542ad9df05c876b272]
Viability Test Must Conclude Reproduction Capability
Note:
The deposit of biological material must be tested for its capability to reproduce, ensuring it is viable during the term of deposit.

(a) A deposit of biological material that is capable of self-replication either directly or indirectly must be viable at the time of deposit and during the term of deposit. Viability may be tested by the depository. The test must conclude only that the deposited material is capable of reproduction. No evidence is necessarily required regarding the ability of the deposited material to perform any function described in the patent application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.807Deposit of Biological MaterialsViability of Deposited MaterialTime of Making Deposit
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2409-200517f9e59b046649072e5d]
No Evidence Required for Functionality
Note:
The rule states that no evidence is needed to prove the deposited biological material can perform functions described in the patent application, focusing on viability during deposit and term.

(a) A deposit of biological material that is capable of self-replication either directly or indirectly must be viable at the time of deposit and during the term of deposit. Viability may be tested by the depository. The test must conclude only that the deposited material is capable of reproduction. No evidence is necessarily required regarding the ability of the deposited material to perform any function described in the patent application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.807Deposit of Biological MaterialsViability of Deposited MaterialTime of Making Deposit
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2409-e2c2e373ca5b62c54ed3170e]
Requirement for Viable Biological Deposit
Note:
The deposited biological material must be capable of reproduction at the time of and during the term of deposit.

37 CFR 1.807 requires that the deposit of biological material that is capable of self-replication either directly or indirectly must be viable at the time of deposit and during the term of deposit. This requirement for viability is essentially a requirement that the deposited material is capable of reproduction. For the purpose of making a deposit under these rules, there is no requirement that evidence be provided that the deposited material is capable or has the ability to perform any function described in the patent application. However, as with any other issue of description or enablement, if the examiner has evidence or reason to question the objective statements made in the patent application, applicants may be required to demonstrate that the deposited biological material will perform in the manner described.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.807Deposit of Biological MaterialsViability of Deposited MaterialTime of Making Deposit
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2409-776ee266c6f4df215b7e5576]
No Requirement for Function Evidence
Note:
Applicants do not need to provide evidence that the deposited biological material can perform specific functions described in the patent application, but may be required to demonstrate performance if questioned by the examiner.

37 CFR 1.807 requires that the deposit of biological material that is capable of self-replication either directly or indirectly must be viable at the time of deposit and during the term of deposit. This requirement for viability is essentially a requirement that the deposited material is capable of reproduction. For the purpose of making a deposit under these rules, there is no requirement that evidence be provided that the deposited material is capable or has the ability to perform any function described in the patent application. However, as with any other issue of description or enablement, if the examiner has evidence or reason to question the objective statements made in the patent application, applicants may be required to demonstrate that the deposited biological material will perform in the manner described.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.807Deposit of Biological MaterialsViability of Deposited MaterialTime of Making Deposit
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2409-dd35fb5d89c09b92058e5fea]
Viability Statement from Recognized Depository
Note:
Examiner accepts viability statement issued by a recognized depository for non-Budapest Treaty deposits.

For each deposit which is not made under the Budapest Treaty, a viability statement must be filed in the patent application and contain the information listed in paragraph (b) of this section. Under 37 CFR 1.807(c), the examiner will accept the conclusion set forth in a viability statement which is issued by a depository recognized under 37 CFR 1.803(a). If the viability test indicates that the deposit is not viable upon receipt, or the examiner cannot, for scientific or other valid reasons, accept the statement of viability received from the applicant, the examiner shall so notify the applicant stating the reasons for not accepting the statement and proceed with the examination process as if no deposit had been made.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.807(c)Deposit of Biological MaterialsCompliance with Budapest TreatyBudapest Treaty Deposits
Topic

Time of Making Deposit

2 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2409-cae0b61d3fb8e6a343bfa6ef]
Deposit Must Be Viable During Term of Deposit
Note:
A biological material capable of self-replication must be viable at the time of deposit and throughout its term.

(a) A deposit of biological material that is capable of self-replication either directly or indirectly must be viable at the time of deposit and during the term of deposit. Viability may be tested by the depository. The test must conclude only that the deposited material is capable of reproduction. No evidence is necessarily required regarding the ability of the deposited material to perform any function described in the patent application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.807Time of Making DepositDeposit of Biological MaterialsViability of Deposited Material
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2409-469fc17c782b36a4fbca3d4d]
Deposit Must Be Viable During Term
Note:
The deposited biological material must be capable of reproduction and remain viable from the time of deposit until the end of the patent term.

37 CFR 1.807 requires that the deposit of biological material that is capable of self-replication either directly or indirectly must be viable at the time of deposit and during the term of deposit. This requirement for viability is essentially a requirement that the deposited material is capable of reproduction. For the purpose of making a deposit under these rules, there is no requirement that evidence be provided that the deposited material is capable or has the ability to perform any function described in the patent application. However, as with any other issue of description or enablement, if the examiner has evidence or reason to question the objective statements made in the patent application, applicants may be required to demonstrate that the deposited biological material will perform in the manner described.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.807Time of Making DepositDeposit of Biological MaterialsViability of Deposited Material
Topic

Viability of Deposited Material

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2409-474d2635cacde5fceca464e1]
Depository May Test Viability of Deposited Material
Note:
The depository is permitted to test the viability of a deposited biological material capable of self-replication, ensuring it can reproduce during the deposit term.

(a) A deposit of biological material that is capable of self-replication either directly or indirectly must be viable at the time of deposit and during the term of deposit. Viability may be tested by the depository. The test must conclude only that the deposited material is capable of reproduction. No evidence is necessarily required regarding the ability of the deposited material to perform any function described in the patent application.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.807Viability of Deposited MaterialTime of Making DepositDeposit of Biological Materials
Topic

Viability Statement Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-2409-aabd0f333a8d82011649f219]
Examiner Proceeds Without Deposit If Not Viable
Note:
If a viability test indicates the deposit is not viable upon receipt, or if the examiner cannot accept the applicant's statement of viability, the examiner will treat it as if no deposit was made.

(c) If a viability test indicates that the deposit is not viable upon receipt, or the examiner cannot, for scientific or other valid reasons, accept the statement of viability received from the applicant, the examiner shall proceed as if no deposit has been made. The examiner will accept the conclusion set forth in a viability statement issued by a depository recognized under § 1.803(a).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.803(a)Viability Statement RequirementsViability Testing of DepositViability of Deposited Material
Topic

Acceptable Depository Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2409-98cace6187e6acd42db8ca0b]
Viability Statement from Recognized Depository Accepted
Note:
The examiner will accept the viability statement issued by a depository recognized under §1.803(a) if a deposit is not deemed viable upon receipt or for other valid reasons.

(c) If a viability test indicates that the deposit is not viable upon receipt, or the examiner cannot, for scientific or other valid reasons, accept the statement of viability received from the applicant, the examiner shall proceed as if no deposit has been made. The examiner will accept the conclusion set forth in a viability statement issued by a depository recognized under § 1.803(a).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.803(a)Acceptable Depository RequirementsViability Statement RequirementsDeposit of Biological Materials

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Compliance with Budapest Treaty35 U.S.C. § 112
Acceptable Depository Requirements
Compliance with Budapest Treaty
Deposit of Biological Materials
Viability Statement Requirements
37 CFR § 1.803(a)
Compliance with Budapest Treaty
Deposit of Biological Materials
Time of Making Deposit
37 CFR § 1.807
Compliance with Budapest Treaty
Deposit of Biological Materials
37 CFR § 1.807(c)

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: 2026-01-17