Cranfill Sumner LLP today announced that Charlie Raphun has been named to the Legal 500 US City Elite for Charlotte – Intellectual Property (Transactions & Litigation).
Founded in 1987, the Legal 500 is known as the original clients’ guide to law firms and now uses data and AI-optimized research to rank attorneys and firms in more than 100 countries. The US City Elite recognizes attorneys who are key players in their regions and practice areas. Research for the US City Elite rankings rely on top practitioners, referrals, and peer feedback as well as evidence from the attorneys’ work over the previous year.
Charlie, a Partner in the firm’s Raleigh office, brings more than 25 years of telecommunications and software industry experience, including negotiating complex technology transfer agreements, patent and trademark prosecution and licensing, and resolving high‑stakes intellectual property disputes. His practice spans commercial and technology law—covering intellectual property, tax, accounting, international trade compliance, privacy and cybersecurity, and regulatory matters—and he advises clients on IP infringement, commercial transactions, corporate formation and governance, as well as aviation and aerospace regulatory compliance. His disciplined, solutions‑driven approach is informed by his prior service as a military attorney, culminating in his assignment as the Staff Judge Advocate for the U.S. Army Reserve Legal Command.
This recognition from Legal 500 highlights his longstanding commitment to helping businesses protect, commercialize, and defend their intellectual property while advancing their strategic goals.
