Pat Watson concentrates in antitrust and other complex business litigation. In the antitrust litigation area, Mr. Watson has focused on the representation of corporate plaintiffs who choose to opt out of class action litigation involving price fixing to pursue direct claims and has obtained large recoveries for such companies. In addition, he has successfully defended individuals and corporations in federal and state antitrust cases, including class actions,  involving price fixing, price discrimination, monopolization and other alleged violations of the antitrust laws. Mr. Watson also has handled litigation involving franchising and distribution issues and unfair trade practices.

In addition to litigation, he has provided legal guidance to companies and trade associations on a variety of antitrust related issues, including pricing, advertising, joint ventures, benchmarking and strategic transactions. As part of his compliance work, he has assisted clients with antitrust related audits and in the development of training programs. He also he has assisted companies with internal investigations and responses to government subpoenas,  and has represented clients in obtaining antitrust regulatory approval for mergers.

Apart from antitrust and trade regulation matters, Mr. Watson has handled commercial litigation for both defendant and plaintiff involving software development contracts, warranty clauses in asset purchase agreements, ERISA violations and other complex business disputes. Mr. Watson also has substantial experience handling appellate litigation in federal and state courts.

Mr. Watson also is a frequent speaker on antitrust and compliance issues.

Select Representations

• Represented several large purchasers of polyester staple fiber as “opt out” plaintiffs against fiber manufacturers accused on fixing fiber prices. Reached successful settlements with all defendants. Later represented the largest purchaser of such fiber in a direct action against the predecessor of one of the class defendants (not pursued by the class) which resulted in an overall settlement of over $100 million.
• Defended world’s large carpet manufacturer in federal and state price fixing class actions in Georgia and California.
• Represented the division head of a large outdoor advertising company in an action alleging violations of Section 2 of the Sherman Act,  prevailed on a motion to dismiss that was upheld on appeal.
• Represented large home improvement chain in investigating and pursuing claims involving alleged manipulation of structural panel prices resulting in successful pre-litigation settlements.
• Represented banking technology company in defense of civil action by Federal Trade Commission and state authorities for alleged violations of business opportunity regulations.
• Represented African nation in connection with investigation of possible RICO and bank fraud by American citizen ultimately leading to guilty plea.
• Represented large manufacturer in connection with alleged Robinson Patman violations related to internet advertising policies.
• Assisted banking trade association with antitrust issues arising from development of industry fraud detection program.
• Represented real estate law firm in South Carolina federal court in defense of alleged mortgage fraud claims.

Bar and Court Admissions

Georgia, 1984

South Carolina, 1997

United States Courts of Appeals for the Fourth, Fifth, Ninth, Tenth and Eleventh Circuits

Education

Harvard University, J.D., 1984

Wofford College, B.A., 1981

Professional Affiliations

• American Bar Association – Antitrust and Litigation Sections
• Atlanta Bar Association
• State Bar of Georgia – Antitrust and Corporate Counsel Sections
• State Bar of South Carolina

Civic Involvement and Honors

• Best Lawyers (Antitrust Law, 2009-2011)
• Chambers USA, Georgia (Antitrust, 2008-2011)
• Georgia Super Lawyer (2008-2012)