James C. Watson
Shareholder
James C. Watson’s legal practice focuses on assisting clients with navigating intellectual property disputes. In particular, James advises clients regarding enforcement strategy, engages in complex negotiations, and pursues trademark oppositions and cancelations before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, as well as litigation in federal court. James’ practice is informed by extensive prosecution experience for trademarks and patents, including more than a decade in patent drafting and prosecution. James also provides clearance opinions, validity opinions, infringement opinions, and due diligence support.
Clients operating in a broad spectrum of technical fields, including oil and gas exploration, semiconductor fabrication, gaming services, consumer technology, medical devices, personal care products, and many more, rely on James’ expertise in intellectual property. James’ clients include Fortune 500 companies, mid-size companies, startups, and individuals, and James adapts his practice to the disparate needs of each client.
In 2016, James was elected to the leadership of the Utah Bar’s Intellectual Property Section, where he served for three years. James also served in the leadership of the David K. Winder Intellectual Property Inn of Court from 2022 through 2024. In both capacities, he has been a frequent presenter and organizer of events involving a broad spectrum of intellectual property issues.
James conducted his legal studies at the George Washington University Law School and received his technical training at the University of Utah, in mechanical engineering.
Professional Recognition
- Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyers – independently rated lawyers – 2025
- Best Lawyers – 2021-2025
- Super Lawyers – 2023-2024
- Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” – 2018-2022
- Utah Legal Elite – 2020, 2021
- Utah Legal Elite “Up & Coming” – 2018, 2019
Areas of Special Expertise
- Coordinating worldwide intellectual property protection
- Infringement, validity, enforceability, and freedom-to-operate evaluations
- Oil and gas exploration and production technologies
- Post-grant proceedings, including reissue, reexamination, and inter partes review
- Semiconductor device design, packaging, and fabrication
- Sporting goods
- Technology evaluation and invention identification
- Wagering games and supporting devices
Bar Admissions
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- Utah Bar
Court Admissions
- Supreme Court of Utah
- U.S. District Court for the District of Utah
Community and Professional Organizations
- Chair Emeritus, Utah State Bar, Intellectual Property Section
- Past President, David K. Winder Intellectual Property Inn of Court
- Pi Tau Sigma International Mechanical Engineering Honor Society
Education
- The George Washington University Law School, J.D.
- University of Utah, B.S., Mechanical Engineering
Languages
- Italian
Prior Professional Experience
- Engineering Intern, Kennecott Utah Copper
- Mediator and Clinic Director, The George Washington University Law School Consumer Mediation Clinic
- Dean’s Fellow, The George Washington University Law School Legal Research and Writing Program
