The Research and Intellectual Property/Information Technology Group provides legal services to support U-M’s research activities, including regulatory compliance services pertaining to U-M’s research and commercialization activities (e.g., advice on the design of compliance programs, comments on proposed regulations and guidance, interactions with government regulators, and compliance training for U-M employees), assistance with research and commercial agreements (e.g., drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts; training contract reviewers; and resolving disputes arising under existing contracts), and guidance on patent and copyright issues and disputes pertaining to U-M’s research and commercialization activities.

OGC staff provide assistance on legal issues related to the use of computers and the Internet. Key topics include: information security; privacy; digital dissemination of U-M intellectual property; use of and access to digital resources; online expression and conduct; and electronic records management. OGC staff are responsible for matters related to U-M’s intellectual property rights and assets, including protecting and enforcing U-M patents, trademarks and copyrights, and advising on the licensing and acquisition of third-party content. In addition to providing advice and counseling on intellectual property matters including, but not limited to, infringement, fair use, digitization, data and tangible specimen use, maintenance, and sharing.

OGC staff work closely with other U-M units charged with administering research-related issues.  If you have a new issue in one of the following areas, you might first check with the responsible unit before contacting OGC:

Sponsored research projects:  U-M Research or the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects
Technology Transfer, filing patent applications, patent/software licensing:  U-M Tech Transfer
Research Ethics and Compliance:  U-M Research Ethics & Compliance

Your best starting point is generally to contact Innovation Partnerships (formerly U-M “Office of Technology Transfer”) if you are interested in doing one of the following:  (a) making an invention report to the University, (b) considering the filing of a patent application, (c) want to discuss licensing your invention or software to a company, (d) have questions about University policies on technology licensing, or (e) want to learn more about open source software.  Our OGC staff work closely with Innovation Partnerships on these issues, but typically an Innovation Partnerships staff member is best suited to initially consult with you on these issues.

Your best starting point on export issues is generally to contact the University Export Control Office.