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CHARLOTTE, NC (May 5, 2026) – Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP announced today that Michele M. Glessner, M. Madison McCraw, and Samuel C. Merritt have joined the firm as partners in Charlotte. Their arrival enhances Womble’s IP capabilities in the Southeast and supports continued growth in the Charlotte market.

Collectively, the group brings complementary experience spanning trademark and copyright portfolio management, patent prosecution, and IP litigation. Their practices cover the full lifecycle of IP protection, including portfolio strategy, clearance and freedom-to-operate analysis, enforcement, dispute resolution, and counseling across a range of industries, including manufacturing, technology, financial services, retail, apparel, and consumer products.

“Adding Michele, Madison, and Sam strengthens our existing bench and helps us to continue to provide excellent service to A-list clients,” said Michael McCue, Co-Leader of the Trademark, Copyright, Privacy & IP Transactions Practice Group.

Charlotte Office Managing Partner Sarah Stone added: “This reflects the strength and momentum of our Charlotte office. We continue to invest in talent that deepens our bench locally, strengthens collaboration across the firm, and supports our clients’ needs today and over the long term.”

About the new partners:

  • Michele Glessner advises clients on trademark and copyright portfolio management, including global filing strategies, enforcement, and brand protection. A registered patent attorney, she also counsels on utility and design patent prosecution, freedom-to-practice analyses, and portfolio development, particularly in the mechanical and electromechanical arts. Drawing on her background in mechanical engineering, she works with innovators to translate complex technologies into practical IP strategies and manages trademark portfolios for clients worldwide. She is fluent in Egyptian Arabic and proficient in French. She earned her J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame and her B.S., cum laude, in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University.
  • Madison McCraw focuses on patent strategy, preparation, and prosecution in the United States and internationally. He works with clients across technologies, including advanced mechanical systems, optical communications, fluid and thermal systems, performance materials, and software-driven innovations. His practice includes freedom-to-operate, validity, and infringement analyses, as well as IP due diligence in corporate transactions, supporting the development of business-aligned IP strategies. He earned his J.D. from Charlotte School of Law and his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University.
  • Sam Merritt represents clients in complex patent and trademark disputes before federal district courts, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. He also advises on trademark portfolio management and enforcement strategies, helping clients address disputes and protect the value of their IP assets. His experience spans industries including textiles, manufacturing, financial services, and professional sports. He earned his J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law and his B.S. in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering from Pennsylvania State University.

The group joins Womble from Moore & Van Allen.