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ATLANTA (June 1, 2026) – Womble Bond Dickinson announced today that Christopher P. Lightner has joined the firm's Patent Prosecution and Litigation Practice Group as a partner in Atlanta. Drawing on a background in mechanical engineering and early experience in the aerospace industry, Chris brings a practical understanding of how technologies are designed, built, and commercialized, helping clients make informed decisions about where to invest and how to efficiently and effectively protect their portfolios over time.

With a focus on patent preparation and prosecution in the United States and internationally, Chris advises companies on protecting and positioning innovation in alignment with business objectives. His counsel covers portfolio development, patentability, freedom-to-operate, and enforceability, and he evaluates patent risk through detailed analysis of product and process designs. That work has earned him year-over-year recognition from IAM Patent 1000 and IAM Strategy 300: The World's Leading IP Strategists.

"Chris is a fantastic patent practitioner and an even better person," said Preston Heard, Patent Prosecution and Litigation Practice Group Co-Leader. "He provides an immediate boost to our existing depth and experience on the mechanical patent team, and he bolsters our firm’s strong Atlanta IP presence. His client base—local, national, and international—complements our existing footprint, and Chris gives us another excellent partner to lead us forward."

Chris added, “I share Preston’s enthusiasm and am excited to reunite with many long‑time friends and colleagues. This move gives me a great opportunity to grow and strengthen my client relationships on the firm’s platform.”

Chris's practice also extends to the transactional side of intellectual property, where he supports due diligence efforts and advises on licensing arrangements, confidentiality structures, and patent brokerage deals. He brings experience across a wide range of technologies — including advanced materials, logistics systems, medical devices, software, energy, and industrial processes — allowing him to adapt his approach to the technical and commercial realities of each client's business.

An active leader in the legal community, Chris has served as President of the Atlanta Bar Association, Chair of the State Bar of Georgia's Intellectual Property Section, and Chair of the Atlanta Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Section.  He also presently serves on the Board of the Atlanta Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Atlanta Bar Association. Chris is also a founding member of the Georgia PATENTS Program, through which his pro bono contributions have earned multiple recognitions, including the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Patent Pro Bono Achievement Certificate, the Atlanta Bar Association’s Celebrating Service Award, and multiple iterations of the Georgia PATENTS Volunteer of the Year Award.

Chris earned his J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law, his M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix, and his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University. He joins from Alston & Bird LLP.