Mr. Watts concentrates his practice in the area of corporate law; mergers; acquisitions and dispositions; joint ventures; trademark and copyright law; franchising; non-profit organizations and general contract law. Mr. Watts has substantial experience representing early growth and established business clients in connection with a variety of their needs. Mr. Watts assists start-up clients with the development of the legal framework for their business structure and business relationships, which frequently includes choice of entity, joint ventures, franchising and protection of trademarks and other intellectual property interests. Mr. Watts also has extensive experience assisting mature business clients in connection with the disposition of their businesses and acquisitions of other businesses.

Mr. Watts enjoys assisting his clients in developing and protecting their trademark portfolios. He is well versed in the prosecution of trademarks as well as defending trademarks through opposition and cancellation proceedings, including an appearance before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Mr. Watts also enjoys assisting representing his clients in connection with the acquisition and disposition of their businesses. Over the past two years, Mr. Watts has been lead or second attorney on the following transactions:

• $70 million disposition of cold storage business
• $67 million acquisition of beverage distributorship
• $32 million acquisition of beverage distributorship
• $16 million disposition of demolition business
• $400,000 disposition of auto painting business
• $375,000 disposition of fast food restaurant business

Mr. Watts is a member of the State Bar of Georgia Sections on Business, Corporate Counsel, Franchise and Distribution Law, Intellectual Property, Non-Profit Law and Taxation Law. Additionally, Mr. Watts is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association and a Barrister with the Columbus Inn of Court.

Mr. Watts is currently serving as the Vice President of the Columbus Bar Association, President-Elect of Columbus Area Habitat for Humanity, and Ex-Officio Member of the Board of Directors of Open Door Community House. Mr. Watts and his family attend Trinity Episcopal Church, where Mr. Watts is a member of the Vestry.

After graduating from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in economics, Mr. Watts attended the University of Georgia where he obtained his Masters of Business Administration and Juris Doctor, cum laude.

Contact

Jerald L. Watts, II
(p) 706-243-5624 | (f) 706-243-0417 | jlw@psstf.com

Jill Anderson (Assistant)
(p) 706-243-4062 | (f) 706-243-0417 | lja@psstf.com

Education

• University of Virginia (B.A., 1991)
• University of Georgia (J.D./M.B.A., cum laude, 1996)

Bar Admissions

• Georgia

Professional Activities

• Columbus Bar Association (Executive Committee 2009-present, Vice President)
• American Intellectual Property Law Association
• Columbus Inn of Court

Civic Activities

• Columbus Area Habitat for Humanity (Board, 2009-present, Vice President)
• Open Door Community House (Board, 2001-2011)
• Trinity Episcopal Church