What are the requirements for a replacement deposit in patent applications?
This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.
According to MPEP 2407.04, the requirements for a replacement deposit are not more stringent than those for the original deposit. The section states:
“The provisions of 37 CFR 1.805(f) recognize that since an original deposit may be made during the pendency of the application subject to the conditions of 37 CFR 1.809, a replacement deposit logically cannot be held to any higher standard or any further requirements.”
This means that replacement deposits must meet the same conditions as original deposits, which are outlined in 37 CFR 1.809. These conditions typically include viability of the biological material and accessibility to the public upon patent grant.