International Operations
Essential considerations and contacts for protecting data and IP rights, leasing space, securing insurance, and contracting with foreign entities.
Data Protection and Privacy Laws
In most cases, there must be appropriate security controls to avoid unauthorized access and disclosure of personal data. Contact the Office of Audit, Compliance, and Privacy for advice regarding the applicability of international privacy regulations if your work involves any transfer of personal information.
Privacy and data protection laws vary by country and may require specific disclosure or authorizations. When operating with international parties or outside the United States, you are responsible for compliance with international regulations like GDPR; and security measures for cross-border data transfers.
For specific questions please contact:
Scott Schafer – Chief Privacy Office and Institutional Compliance Officer.
+1 215.898.1934, sschafer@upenn.edu
Office of Audit, Compliance & Privacy
Business Insurance
Some activities may not be automatically covered by or require additional coverage to Penn’s insurance policies. Large purchases, rentals, and other activities should be reported to Penn’s Office of Risk Management and Insurance to evaluate the risk and obtain proper insurance.
For specific questions please contact:
Ben Evans – Associate Vice President, Risk Management & Insurance.
+1 215.898.2720, dofriskmgmt@pobox.upenn.edu
Office of Risk Management & Insurance
Intellectual Property (IP) Rights
Intellectual property protections foster innovation and economic growth by securing patents, trademarks, and copyrights. When developing intellectual property abroad or in partnership with a foreign entity, it is essential to consider how a country’s IP protections differ from another’s. The Penn Center for Innovation can provide support for inventions and intellectual property. Additionally, all international contracts and agreements should be reviewed in accordance with policy for the specific type of agreement by Office of Research Services, Penn Center for Innovation, Global Support Services, or a designated signer within your School or Center. Learn more in the Policies page of the Penn Center for Innovation’s website:
Penn Center for Innovation | Policies
Leasing Space
The Division of Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES) is responsible for all Penn lease agreements. Reference Finance Policy 2311.1 for more information.
Division of Facilities & Real Estate (FRES)
Restricted Party Screening & Visual Compliance
Screening international institutions, collaborators, and visitors for prohibited and/or restricted parties is an important part of Penn’s export compliance program and helps Penn manage certain types of risk. Penn utilizes Visual Compliance to perform restricted party screening to identify potential prohibited and/or restricted parties.
Additional Resources
Reach out to expctrl@lists.upenn.edu or visit Penn’s Export Compliance Office.
Penn ORS | Export Compliance
International Contracting Resource
For assistance with international procurement contracts, sponsored research contracts, or other purchasing or revenue generating contracts, please visit Penn Division of Finance Policy 2104 – Negotiation of Awards and visit Penn’s Procurement Services website: