The CNCM is an International Depositary Authority under the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure.

"Microorganism" means any prokaryote or fungus as well as any virus or any animal cell line. Where an invention involves a "microorganism" or the use of it, the availability of this microorganism to any person skilled in the art may be necessary for the complete disclosure of such invention. The complete disclosure is a generally recognized requirement for the grant of patents. Thank the Treaty one deposit serves the purpose of the patent procedure in each of the States where protection of an invention is sought.

The microorganisms are stored for at least 30 years, under secrecy, with all the care necessary to keep them viable with no alteration of their properties and with no risk for health or the environment. Samples are furnished to parties entitled to receive them under the Regulations of the Treaty. For all these purposes special expertise is required in an universally trusted scientific context.

4687 microorganisms are deposited with the CNCM on January 1st, 2011 including 2783 prokaryotes, 442 fungi, 1144 animal and human cell cultures and 318 viruses. 44.9% are genetically modified organisms; 19.0% are or may be dangerous to health or the environment; 22,6% are from abroad; 107503 culture samples are stored according to a four stock safety system, one part (21%) at -80°C, another part (79%) in liquid nitrogen. The CNCM is one of the most efficient and smoothly working International Depositary Authorities in the world.