UM Regents OK 8 Conflict-of-Interest Items

The University of Michigan board of regents authorized eight items that required disclosure under the state’s Conflict of Interest statute, in a unanimous vote taken at the board’s June 21, 2012 meeting. The law requires that regents vote on potential conflict-of-interest disclosures related to university staff, faculty or students.

The items often involve technology licensing agreements or leases. This month, seven of the items were approved unanimously and related to the following businesses: Avicenna Medical Systems Inc., Arborlight, Ascenta Therapeutics Inc., EXO Dynamics, Opsidio Inc., Photon Affinity, and Superior Rehabilitation & Assessment Solutions Inc.

Larry Deitch recused himself from voting on an eighth item, which was related to an amendment in a license agreement with NanoBio Corp. Deitch did not publicly state his reason for recusal. He is an attorney and a partner in the law firm of Bodman LLP of Detroit. According to his bio on the law firm’s website, Deitch ”focuses his practice in corporate law, real estate law, and government relations. He has substantial experience in corporate governance matters, mergers and acquisitions, and structuring joint venture relationships, with a particular focus on the automotive and general industrial sectors. He also advises clients on all of the legal issues arising out of real estate development, leasing, and finance.”

This brief was filed from the Michigan Union Ballroom on the Ann Arbor campus, where regents held their June meeting.