Atty. Susan Freya Olive

Atty. Susan Freya Olive

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 f

Durham Durham 50 yrs experience 50 year
Call (984) 278-5417 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Susan Freya Olive at a glance

Susan Freya Olive is a Member based in Durham, North Carolina, practicing at Olive & Olive, P.A.. They have 50+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1976. Their practice focuses on real estate and ip. Admitted to practice in North Carolina (1976), U.S. Court of Military Appeals (1976), U.S. District Court, Eastern and Middle District of North Carolina (1977), and U.S. District Court, Western District of North Carolina U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth and Federal Ci (1984). Educated at Duke University School of Law (J.D., 1977) and Brown University (A.B. Medical, 1974). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serands clients in Durham, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

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

Practice Areas Explained

Susan Freya Olive's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Susan Freya Olive handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Real Estate Law

Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.

Susan Freya Olive is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in North Carolina →

Intellectual Property

IP attorneys protect inventions, brands, and creative work through patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright, and trade-secret enforcement.

Susan Freya Olive is one of 106,079 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in North Carolina →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in North Carolina

Practicing law in North Carolina. Legal matters in North Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Durham are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate North Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in North Carolina brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in North Carolina courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional North Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Durham or all attorneys in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Susan Freya Olive

Where is Susan Freya Olive's law office located?
Susan Freya Olive's law practice is located in Durham, North Carolina. The firm is Olive & Olive, P.A.. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Susan Freya Olive handle?
Susan Freya Olive focuses on real estate, ip. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in North Carolina.
How long has Susan Freya Olive practiced law?
Susan Freya Olive has 50+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1976.
Where did Susan Freya Olive go to law school?
Susan Freya Olive earned their education at (J.D., 1977); (A.B. Medical, 1974).
How can I contact Susan Freya Olive for a consultation?
You can contact Susan Freya Olive directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Susan Freya Olive received?
Susan Freya Olive's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

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

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

North Carolina
Admitted: 1976
U.S. Court of Military Appeals
Admitted: 1976
U.S. District Court, Eastern and Middle District of North Carolina
Admitted: 1977
U.S. District Court, Western District of North Carolina U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth and Federal Ci
Admitted: 1984

Reviews

5.0
1 Review
5 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
1 0
These reviews belong to platform users; they do not constitute advertisement or promotion for the attorney. Opinions are published for informational purposes only.

No reviews yet.