Indiana’s PatentConnect Empowers ‘Backyard’ Inventors Through Pro Bono Legal Support

Access to justice in intellectual property law often remains out of reach for many inventors who lack financial means, despite having innovative ideas and the drive to develop them. Recognizing this gap, Indiana University Maurer School of Law’s Center for Intellectual Property Research hosts PatentConnect, a pro bono initiative that links volunteer patent attorneys with inventors in Indiana and Kentucky.

Directed by Professor Mark D. Janis, the Center serves as a hub site for PatentConnect, a program backed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Inventors register for the service and are carefully screened by PatentConnect staff to ensure eligibility and alignment with the volunteer attorneys’ expertise. Janis notes that most clients are “backyard” inventors—individuals excited about their inventions but without the resources to pursue patent protection independently.

Volunteers are encouraged to participate on manageable terms, with no obligation to continue if their schedules become constrained. This flexible approach helps maintain a sustainable volunteer base.

The daily operations of PatentConnect are driven by Associate Director Melissa Berry and Program Coordinator Steven Lesher, who coordinate client intake, volunteer outreach, and program promotion. Both bring a passion for technology and student development to their roles, ensuring that attorneys can focus on substantive legal work without administrative burdens. Berry emphasizes the ongoing need for more volunteers to support the program’s growth and continued success.

In July 2023, the Center welcomed Professor Jeff Abraham as its new intellectual property clinician. Abraham brings over a decade of experience as a vice chief administrative patent judge on the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. He expressed his commitment to making the IP process less daunting and more accessible, acknowledging the high legal fees that often deter inventors from pursuing patents.

Complementing PatentConnect’s patent focus, the IU Maurer School of Law Intellectual Property Law Clinic offers pro bono services in trademark and copyright law. The Clinic operates through adjunct professors who collaborate with current law students to assist clients. Professor Norman Hedges, a founding figure in Bloomington’s IP access efforts and longtime clinician, has represented clients through both the Clinic and PatentConnect. Hedges finds particular fulfillment in defending under-resourced inventors against financially powerful adversaries in litigation.

As Hedges prepares for retirement, Abraham aims to build on this legacy by expanding the network of clients and volunteers.

Jessica Van Dalen, a partner at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath and a 15-year volunteer with both PatentConnect and the IP Law Clinic, highlights the rewarding nature of assisting inventors. She notes that the program alleviates stress for clients navigating a complex and often costly patent process. Van Dalen also points out that pro bono opportunities for IP attorneys can be limited, making PatentConnect’s flexible model especially valuable.

The cost of filing a patent application can easily exceed $10,000, depending on the technology and strategy, creating a significant barrier for many inventors. PatentConnect and the IP Law Clinic strive to democratize access to intellectual property protections, enabling inventors to secure legal recognition and potential financial benefits.

Attorneys interested in volunteering with PatentConnect can register at patentconnect.org. Those seeking involvement with the IP Law Clinic are encouraged to contact the clinic directly via email at ipclinic@indiana.edu.

Molly Madden and Cassidy Segura Clouse, associates at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath’s Indianapolis office, advocate for increased attorney participation to foster innovation and creativity within the community.