When allegations of research fraud or misconduct come to light, the stakes for companies and research institutions could not be higher. Actions such as fabrication of scientific data, manipulation of research materials, and plagiarism can result in damaged reputations, loss of federal funding, and legal liability. Moreover, with advances in artificial intelligence and big data analytics, tools for detecting research misconduct have become widespread.
Saul Ewing guides businesses and research institutions through the complex issues surrounding ethical breaches in research. Our clients include universities and research institutes, as well as pharmaceutical, chemical, and software companies with significant research departments. We help our clients navigate compliance issues, craft strategies to minimize reputational damage, and implement corrective measures to restore research integrity.
Our Research Integrity & Compliance team brings together attorneys focused on intellectual property, higher education, labor and employment, and government investigations to handle the unique needs of entities facing academic or scientific fraud allegations. Our Intellectual Property group, many of whom hold Ph.Ds. in fields such as molecular biology, microbiology, organic chemistry, and biochemistry, are highly skilled at understanding and analyzing scientific data, and can perform forensic analyses when necessary. In addition, our Higher Education attorneys have an intimate understanding of university operations and decision-making processes, allowing them to quickly assess situations and provide practical advice.
Our work includes:
Internal Investigations and Related Matters
- Conducting investigations into alleged research misconduct
- Assisting university clients with adjudication of research fraud claims
- Advising university clients on employment matters related to research integrity and faculty termination
- Conducting training on best practices to protect intellectual property rights
Disputes and Litigation
- Inventorship determinations: conducting investigations to determine the specific contributions of researchers involved in an invention process
- Trade secret theft: representing clients in state and federal court in cases involving trade secret misappropriation, confidential and proprietary information, and corporate theft
Government Enforcement
- Advising on compliance with regulatory and institutional policies and standards
- Defending clients during government investigations involving theft of trade secrets and economic espionage
