MATTHEW AMES is a Partner in the Atlanta office and a member of the Business Litigation Practice Group. Mr. Ames joined the firm in 1998. He specializes in efficiently resolving business disputes and represents clients in a wide array of cases in state and federal courts. Matthew is an experienced trial lawyer whose practice includes all facets of business litigation. His specific areas of focus are:
Intellectual Property disputes: Matthew has in depth knowledge of the legal and business considerations relating to intellectual property, as well as significant experience representing companies with well-developed, strategic intellectual property portfolios. He has extensive courtroom experience in helping clients protect their trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights.
Sales and contract disputes: Matthew counsels his clients on the many types of contracts that play a pivotal role in business, including employment agreements, distribution agreements, licenses, partnership agreements, purchase orders, equipment leases, sales agreements, and service contracts. Matthew has successfully represented both buyers and sellers in sales disputes under Article II of the UCC. He recently obtained a significant judgment in the Middle District of Pennsylvania on behalf of a seller of sophisticated woodworking machinery. Matthew has litigated sales disputes and obtained six figure recoveries on behalf of both buyers and sellers in sales disputes in Georgia, Pennsylvania, California, and South Carolina. He has written and lectured about Article II of the Uniform Commercial Code.
Franchise disputes: Matthew recently obtained a $2,000,000 recovery on behalf of two franchisees in related constructive termination actions against their franchisor. Matthew has also successfully represented several manufacturers in distributorship disputes.
Shareholder disputes: Matthew has helped numerous individuals and companies resolve "business divorce" scenarios. He has extensive experience with business valuations, breaches of fiduciary duties, and other matters pertaining to buy-outs or business dissolutions.
Property disputes: Matthew has significant trial experience in property disputes. Most recently, Matthew defended on appeal a successful $850,000 verdict against the parent company of a tenant under agency and piercing the corporate veil theories. Matthew also directed the expert testimony in a trial that yielded $5.8 million jury verdict on behalf of several condominium owners in a professional negligence action against a national engineering firm.
Mr. Ames was recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a Georgia Rising Star for 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. He is very active in the Atlanta Community and serves on several profit and non-profit boards. He previously served as the President of Dad's Garage Theatre Company, one of the leading, innovative theatres in the Southeast.
