How much does it cost to hire Susan for a ip case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Susan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Susan offer a free consultation?

Susan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan's office. Some ip attorneys offer free consults — check Susan's current terms during booking.

How long do ip cases in North Carolina typically take?

Simple ip matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Susan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Susan take my case if I'm outside Durham?

Susan is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Susan will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Susan?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Susan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Susan accepting new ip clients right now?

Susan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Susan Freya Olive, IP Attorney in Durham

Quick answer

Susan Freya Olive is a member based in Durham, NC. The practice focuses on IP and Real Estate. Susan has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Olive & Olive, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Durham, NC
Experience: over 50 years
Known for: IP · Real Estate

Handles IP and Real Estate matters from Durham, NC.
Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Susan takes on

Susan concentrates on ip and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Susan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

IP cases in Durham, North Carolina

Susan takes ip matters in Durham, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Susan agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Durham, North Carolina

Susan takes real estate matters in Durham, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Susan agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Susan Freya Olive — ip lawyer in Durham

Susan Freya Olive is a member based in Durham, NC. The practice focuses on IP and Real Estate. Susan has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Olive & Olive, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Author: "Patentable Subject Matter in the Post-Bilski Era," 2011; "An Inventive Approach to Mental Health & Substance Abuse," 2011; "Intellectual Property: a Primer," 2011; "Technology & the Practice of Law," 2010; "The Internet & You," 2009; "Communication in a Digital World," 2009; "Copyright & the Works of Attorneys," 2009; "New Rules at the Board of Patent Appeals & Interferences," 2008; "When and How to Seek Rule 11 and Rule 37 Sanctions," 2000; "Limitations on Trademark Protection: Fair Use and the First Amendment," 1994; "Copyrightability of Compilations," 1992; "Integrated Protection for Computer Programs," 1990; "Work for Hire Issues, Who Owns What?" 1990; "Publishing Contracts," 1989; "Copyright Basics," 1988; "Trademark Basics," 1988; "Copyright Basics for the General Practitioner," 1986; "Protection of the Computer Hardware and Software Product: A Primer," 1986; "Brief Introduction to Trademarks and Copyrights," 1988, North Carolina Bar Association. Positions & Appointments: Permanent Member, Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference. Emeritus Member, North Carolina Board of Law Examiners, 2007-present (Member, 1993-2007; First Female Chair, 2003-2004; Chair, 2006-2007). Board of Governors, NC Advocates for Justice and Chair, Small Office Practice Section, 2012-2013. Member, Intellectual Property Rules Committee, US District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina, 2006-2009. Member, National Conference of Bar Examiners Technology Committee, 2005-2006. Commissioner, North Carolina General Statutes Commission, 1991-1997. Member, 1985-1993, Secretary, 1985-1987 and Chairman, 1989-1990, Federal Bar Advisory Council. Member, Research Committee for Court Annexed Arbitration, U.S. Middle District Court of North Carolina, 1985-1989. Member, Attorney Qualification Review Committee, U.S. District Court, Middle District of North Carolina, 1984- Special Counsel, Ninth Judicial District of North Carolina, 1977-1979. Treasurer (2009-2012), Vice-Chair (2012-2013), Urban Ministries of Durham; Regional Chairperson, Brown University National Alumni Schools Program, 1977-2004. Member, Board of Directors, 1979-1983 and Chairperson, Legislation Committee, 1980-1982, Mental Health Association in Durham County. Member, Board of Directors, Durham Young Lawyers Association, 1978-1979. Member, Board of Directors, 1980-, Treasurer, 1989-1990 and President, 1990-1992, North Carolina Prisoners' Legal Services, Inc. Fellow: Litigation Counsel of America.

How Susan handles ip matters

Author: "Patentable Subject Matter in the Post-Bilski Era," 2011; "An Inventive Approach to Mental Health & Substance Abuse," 2011; "Intellectual Property: a Primer," 2011; "Technology & the Practice of Law," 2010; "The Internet & You," 2009; "Communication in a Digital World," 2009; "Copyright & the Works of Attorneys," 2009; "New Rules at the Board of Patent Appeals & Interferences," 2008;…

Who Susan represents

Susan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for ip and real estate matters in Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Duke University School of Law
J.D. · 1977
Brown University
A.B. Medical · 1974

Jurisdictions

Susan's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1984 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1977 · ACTIVE
North Carolina
1976 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Milita
1976 · ACTIVE

Susan studied at J.D. in Duke University School of Law and A.B. Medical in Brown University.

Law school and academic background

Susan completed J.D. in Duke University School of Law and A.B. Medical in Brown University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Susan runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Susan has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Susan Freya Olive's office in Durham

Susan's primary office is at 500 Memorial Street, Durham, NC, 27702-2049. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Olive & Olive, P.A.

500 Memorial Street

Durham, NC 27702-2049

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Susan Freya Olive — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Susan. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing ip attorneys in Durham.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Susan Freya Olive claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Susan Freya Olive — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new ip attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Susan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Susan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Susan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a ip attorney in Durham, North Carolina

A short list to run through before you commit: How many ip matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Susan

Susan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in ip practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every ip matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Susan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Susan's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many ip practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Susan Freya Olive

How much does it cost to hire Susan for a ip case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Susan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Susan offer a free consultation?
Susan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan's office. Some ip attorneys offer free consults — check Susan's current terms during booking.
How long do ip cases in North Carolina typically take?
Simple ip matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Susan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Susan take my case if I'm outside Durham?
Susan is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Susan will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Susan?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Susan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Susan accepting new ip clients right now?
Susan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by North Carolina residents in the last few months, answered by ip attorneys like Susan Freya Olive. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I Trademark a Slogan for My Business in North Carolina?
I'm starting a marketing agency in Charlotte and have a catchy slogan I want to trademark. I’ve heard it’s possible, but what’s the process for trademarking a slogan in North Carol
1 verified answer · IP · North Carolina
Can I Trademark My Handmade Jewelry Business in New York?
I run a small handmade jewelry business in New York City and I want to protect my brand name. I’ve been using the name for about a year now, and I’m worried someone might copy it.
1 verified answer · IP · New York
What Should I Do if My Patent is Infringed in Maryland?
I hold a patent for a unique invention and recently found out that a competitor is infringing on it in Baltimore. I’m not sure how to proceed legally. What steps should I take if m
1 verified answer · IP · Maryland
What Happens if I Don’t Trademark My Brand in Washington?
I have a growing online business selling health products in Seattle, and I’m considering trademarking my brand name. I’m worried about potential issues if I don’t. What are the ris
1 verified answer · IP · Washington
How Can I Protect My Invention Before Patenting in Colorado?
I created an innovative kitchen gadget while living in Denver and want to protect my idea before applying for a patent. What methods can I use to safeguard my invention in Colorado
1 verified answer · IP · Colorado
Can I File a Patent for My App Idea in Texas?
I’m a software developer in Austin and I have a unique app idea that I think could be groundbreaking. I’m considering applying for a patent, but I’ve heard there are specific requi
1 verified answer · IP · Texas

Areas served

IP attorneys serving Durham, Raleigh and Charlotte in North Carolina

Susan handles ip matters throughout North Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified ip attorneys in that community.

Susan Freya Olive, IP Attorney in Durham, North Carolina

Quick answer