M. Christopher Bolen
Adjunct Professor of Law
Areas of Expertise
- Copyright Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Science and Technology Law
- Trademark Law
Biography
Christopher Bolen is delighted to teach as an adjunct professor at UNC School of Law. A recognized leader and IP transactional lawyer, and frequent speaker and guest lecturer on intellectual property matters, Christopher retired after 35 years in private practice. For the past 32 years, Christopher practiced with Womble Bond Dickinson (formerly Womble Carlyle), during which he advised global and regional manufacturers, life sciences and chemical companies and other technology-based entities in the development and implementation of IP strategies specifically designed to work to their competitive advantage. His practice focused on complex technology licensing, strategic alliances and IP-related transactions, as well as trademarks and copyrights. During his tenure with Womble Bond Dickinson, Christopher served in several strategic leadership positions with the firm, including the firm’s Global Board, the firm’s US Firm Management Committee, and as the Managing Partner of the firm’s Research Triangle Park office. Christopher also served for nearly 20 years as the co-chair of the firm’s IP Practice Group, during which he oversaw much of the firm’s growth as a nationally-recognized IP practice. He is the former Chair of the IP Section of the North Carolina Bar Association, and the recipient of numerous professional awards and honors, including Chambers USA (Intellectual Property), Best Lawyers in America in the fields of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice, Copyright and Technology Law, and more than 20 years ranked AV® Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell.
Christopher Bolen received his Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University, where he graduated Order of the Coif and served as Assistant Editor-in-Chief of the Southwestern Law Journal (now the SMU Law Review). He also holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management, summa cum laude, from Southern Methodist University.
Education
- J.D., Southern Methodist University
- M.B.A., Southern Methodist University
- B.S., Engineering Management, summa cum laude, Southern Methodist University