Instances in which federal patent or copyright law may be too rigid or limited to protect university research are discussed, and the applicability of trade-secrets law is assessed, particularly under the Freedom of Information Act. Differential treatment of trade secrets under state laws is considered. (MSE)

Universities experience pressures for secrecy in research, often imposed by the government, for national security reasons. Institutions face major policy issues regarding sponsorship of research, conflicts of interest, and intellectual property rights. However, universities are urged to consider that the free flow of information is vital to the…

The review of court cases decided in 1990 relating to higher education summarizes litigation concerning institutional powers, First Amendment law, search and seizure on campus, tort liability, institutional contracts, immunities, access to records, funding for institutions and students, employment practices, academic and disciplinary decisions,…