Polk Wagner

Polk Wagner is the Michael A. Fitts Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, where he focuses on intellectual property law and policy with a specialization in patent law. He serves as Deputy Dean and Co-Director of the Center for Innovation, Technology & Competition. His research spans empirical legal studies, First Amendment issues, and software regulation.

• Education: Stanford Law School (JD), University of Michigan (MA), College of Charleston (BA), London School of Economics (Fellowship)

Wagner's research explores patent law's intersection with judicial decision-making, legislative reform, and technological innovation. He has contributed extensively to top law journals and co-authored the textbook Patent Law: Concepts and Insights.

His recent work analyzes claim construction, patent quality, and empirical trends in obviousness doctrine. Wagner also engages with broader policy debates, including the First Amendment implications of software and the balance between IP rights and public values.

As a frequent international lecturer, Wagner contributes to global discourse on intellectual property. He founded The AI Law Lab (2024) and maintains active scholarship via his SSRN and Twitter profiles.