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Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Rebecca "Becky" Kaufman, JD

Senior Associate Vice President of Innovation Investment and New Ventures
Senior Associate General Counsel
Portrait of Becky Kaufman

Becky Kaufman became Senior Associate Vice President and Senior Associate General Counsel for the Office of Legal Affairs in October 2022, where she serves as a key advisor to the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge leadership (ERIK). She is also a member of the OLA executive leadership team.   In this role, Becky provides legal guidance on issues relating to the development and management of the University’s research and intellectual property portfolios. She also provides strategic advice in connection with the identification and assessment of emerging technologies, the formation of new ventures (e.g., start-ups) and capital and venture development. In addition, Becky serves as an executive advisor to the Innovation Investment Management Team.  

Prior to joining OSU, Becky spent 20 years in private practice with King & Spalding where she led the Life Sciences IP transactional practice. At the firm, Becky represented universities, startups, investors, and public companies in matters including US and foreign patent procurement, due diligence, licensing and other IP-based transactions including M&A and IPOs. Before joining the firm, she was a principal with an early-stage venture capital fund and worked in the commercialization function at the Georgia Institute of Technology, in each case focused on the life sciences. 

Becky earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where she completed additional graduate work in molecular biology. 

 

Professional Affiliations:
National Association of College and University Attorneys

Education: 
J.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Law
B.S., Wake Forest University, Biology, cum laude

Administrative Support: 
Carla Niese