The Office of the General Counsel ("OGC") is MIT's law office. We provide legal advice, counseling, and service to MIT and represent the Institute in its legal matters. Our client is the Institute, not any individual or segment of the Institute. Our responsibility is to provide our best, independent advice in the interest of MIT. When appropriate, we engage outside counsel to provide additional expertise and representation. Our annual report explains our office further.
Mission
Our mission is to educate as to the laws, policies and procedures applicable to MIT's operations, to prevent legal problems and solve those that occur, facilitate transactions, and to provide advice and representation, all in order to help MIT's faculty, administration, staff, and students fulfill their goals in teaching, research, and service.
Services
Legal news
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling on the Federal Bayh-Dole Act in Stanford University v. Roche. We have prepared a brief summary of the decision and its effect on MIT.
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling on the patentability of “business methods” in Bilski v. Kappos. We have prepared a brief summary of the decision and its effect on MIT.
Who can accept service of process for MIT?
I have received a request for a student's educational records. What should I do?
Our office aims to provide timely, intelligent advice, informed by an in-depth understanding of MIT values and policies, to accelerate MIT's endeavors. We hope to become your thought partner.