Edward Kennedy, D-Massachusetts, who heads the committee, requested the names of the research groups who have human embryonic stem cell lines, information on where their research has been published, and details about proprietary rights and what ethical standards were used when the stem cells were derived.

CNN: NIH announces owners of stem cells

"It appeared that our proprietary information and intellectual property rights had been violated, " the letter stated.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The groups will take into account the varying missions, types of data, and dissemination models associated with the range of Federal science agencies and scientific disciplines, and will help OSTP address other public access requirements of COMPETES keeping in mind the need to follow statutory requirements and best practices for protecting personal privacy, proprietary interests, intellectual property rights, and author attribution.

WHITEHOUSE: Request for Information on Public Access to Digital Data and Scientific Publications | The White House