Office of University Counsel

 

Research and Technology Law handles all UNM legal matters relating to research, technology transfer, biosafety and biosecurity, material transfer agreements, copyright and clinical trials.

We address federally regulated issues such as human and animal subject research, conflicts of interest, and research fraud. We also handle transactional matters, including technology transfer, joint ventures, and consortia.

In conjunction with Sponsored Projects Services and HSC University Counsel, we review, help draft and negotiate contracts relating to sponsored research and intellectual property. Our work includes industrial sponsored agreements, federal contract and grants, teaming agreements, subawards, consortium agreements, material transfer agreements, joint powers agreements, nondisclosure agreements, and licenses. We also advise on contract disputes between UNM and its grantors and grantees.

We provide legal advice on all intellectual property issues arising in University education, including photocopying, fair use, multimedia tools, art law, and distance education. We also provide training in copyright laws affecting higher education.

We serve as a point of first contact for University inventors, working with Science and Technology Corporation @ UNM to identify University inventions, resolve issues of ownership, and perfect title in order to promote commercialization. We are responsible for compliance with federal regulations regarding University inventions created with federal funding.We also provide general counsel services to large research projects.

Finally, we assist UNM in developing and revising policies relating to research, technology transfer, and intellectual property, including many of those available by links from our web page.

How to Request Legal Services

The Regents, President, Vice Presidents, Deans and Directors (staff) seek legal service directly from the office of the University Counsel. Other members of the University community, including faculty, staff, and students, seeking legal advice concerning University business, are requested to have their request reviewed by the appropriate supervisor and forwarded to the University Counsel Office by one of the officers above. Helpful information pertaining to many legal subjects may be found on our Summaries and FAQs pages.