Peter M. Watt-Morse

Combining his experience gained from many years of representing clients in negotiations with his technical and legal skills, Peter creatively structures agreements that meet clients’ business objectives and last the test of time. Peter advises companies on business process (BP), information technology (IT), and other outsourcing transactions. He also handles technology acquisition, development, licensing, and distribution agreements; strategic alliances and joint ventures; IP creation and strategy; university and governmental technology transfer issues; and general corporate and commercial matters.

The agreements Peter puts together have helped launch numerous spinoffs and new business developments, including the commercialization of revolutionary technologies involving networking software, big data, blockchain, and semiconductor technology (including license/equity structures). Peter has also developed innovative outsourcing arrangements for clinical trial services for major pharmaceutical companies that have improved efficiency and quality. Over the last 15 years, Peter has developed a nationally recognized practice regarding outsourcing of essential back-office operations of financial institutions and investment advisors.

On behalf of consumer product and manufacturing clients, Peter has created long-term supply arrangements for essential commodities and components. He has also developed complex IP agreements to carve up technologies in divestiture transactions as well as cutting-edge agreements and procedures regarding ecommerce.

Peter is an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh Law School, where he teaches classes related to technology transactions and IP. He frequently speaks on and writes about outsourcing, IP, and technology-related topics. He also has an extensive background in technology use in the practice of law and formerly served as a chairman of Morgan Lewis’s Technology Steering Committee.