Norman J. Hedges

Norman J. Hedges serves as Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Intellectual Property Law Clinic at Indiana University Maurer School of Law, bringing over 16 years of patent practice experience to his academic role since joining full-time in 2015 after prior adjunct service.

His educational background includes:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with highest distinction from Purdue University (1995)
• J.D. cum laude from Indiana University Maurer School of Law (1998)

Hedges specializes in Intellectual Property Law with deep expertise in Patent Prosecution across mechanical/electro-mechanical domains and health/life sciences. His clinical practice encompasses U.S./foreign patent application preparation, infringement consultation, invalidity opinions, and IP due diligence for mergers. Teaching focuses on experiential learning through clinic supervision and specialized courses like the Intellectual Property Lab.

His recent publications analyze generational shifts in IP legal education and client-lawyer dynamics in patent practice, reflecting trends toward adaptive clinical training and strategic client relationship management in intellectual property law.

As Director of the Intellectual Property Law Clinic, Hedges oversees student attorneys providing real-world IP services to clients. The clinic functions as both an educational laboratory and community resource, with students gaining hands-on experience in patent drafting, prosecution strategy, and client counseling under his supervision.