Contributors

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Four Womble Bond Dickinson attorneys have been named to the 2026 edition of the IAM Strategy 300. They are:

  • Chris Lightner;
  • Karthika Perumal, Ph.D.;
  • Bill Ragland; and
  • Jeffrey Whittle.

Ragland and Whittle were also selected as Strategy 300 Global Leaders.

IAM writes, “From the very beginning, the IAM Strategy 300 has identified individuals who offer top-tier services relating to the development and implementation of strategies which enable IP owners to maximize the value of their portfolios. Since 2016, our coverage has included in-house corporate IP professionals – those working on the front lines of IP value creation – as well as third-party advisers and operators. This has made the IAM Strategy 300 an even more invaluable and inclusive reference point.”

IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists lists first-class IP strategists identified through confidential nominations made online. The comprehensive research process also involves face-to-face and telephone interviews, as well as email exchanges, with senior members of the global IP community. Individuals from all kinds of entities are considered for their skill, contribution and success – whether service providers, corporations, research institutions or universities.

Chris Lightner—Chris Lightner advises companies on how to protect and position innovation in ways that align with real business objectives. Drawing on a background in mechanical engineering and early experience in aerospace systems integration, he brings a practical understanding of how technologies are designed, built, and commercialized.

Karthika Perumal, Ph.D.— Karthika’s practice focuses on aligning intellectual property strategy with business priorities to drive value and manage risk across the innovation lifecycle.  She works with global companies, research institutions, and high-growth businesses at the intersection of science, technology, and dealmaking. She also serves as Womble’s Houston Office Managing Partner.

Bill Ragland—For four decades, Bill has helped businesses create strategies and solve problems involving intellectual property and other complex business disputes as a lead litigator and strategic advisor. His clients include high technology, computer, software, manufacturing, packaging, consumer products, retail and energy companies, as well as financial institutions and financial services companies.

Jeffrey Whittle—Jeff provides extensive legal experience to clients in the energy and high-tech industries. His global transactional practice encompasses strategic complex technology mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, commercial and licensing arrangements across the energy and technology sectors. He serves as Head of Womble’s Global Energy and Natural Resources Industry Sector.

These four attorneys also were listed in the 2026 edition of the IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Practitioners.