Womble Carlyle attorneys Christopher Bolen, Chris Humphrey, and Andy Spence have been named to Intellectual Asset Management magazine’s IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Practitioners for 2017.

In addition, the IAM Patent 1000 report recognizes Womble Carlyle as a top firm for patent law in North Carolina.

The IAM Patent 1000 is an annual guide to the leading patent practitioners in 50 jurisdictions around the globe. Researchers spent five months interviewing patent attorneys and the buyers of their legal services to determine the IAM Patent 1000 for 2017. Ranked attorneys do not pay to be listed in the IAM Patent 1000.

Christopher Bolen has over 30 years of experience in intellectual property matters and is the immediate past Co-chair of Womble Carlyle’s Intellectual Property Practice Group.  Bolen regularly advises technology- and knowledge-based companies on developing and implementing intellectual property protection and commercialization strategies. Bolen’s principal areas of practice include complex technology licensing and IP-related transactions in the chemical, biotechnology and manufacturing industries, as well as trademarks and copyrights. He regularly advises clients on all aspects of the development, protection and commercialization of technology and brands in traditional and electronic distribution channels. Bolen is Managing Partner of Womble Carlyle's Research Triangle Park office.

Chris Humphrey concentrates on patent prosecution, particularly domestic and foreign prosecution of mechanical, chemical and biotechnology patents, with an emphasis on life science related technologies. Humphrey also provides counseling on all aspects of intellectual property, including patent infringement and validity. He practices in Womble Carlyle's Raleigh office and leads Womble Carlyle's Intellectual Property Practice Group.

Andy Spence concentrates his practice on patent procurement in the electrical, computer software and business method arts. Spence has significant experience handling complex patent matters for companies in various fields covering a number of diverse technologies, including telecommunications, aerospace and e-commerce. He practices in the firm's Charlotte office.