Former research partner of disgraced scientist Hwang Woo-suk Gerald Schatten applied in April last year for a patent on Hwang's stem cell technology with the U.S. patent office.

The online edition of the Pittsburgh Tribune on Saturday said the application only lists the names of two other researchers at the University of Pittsburgh but does not include Hwang, adding Schatten also seeks a patent with the World Intellectual Property Organization.

The Tribune said Schatten, the university and Hwang have not responded to requests for comments.