Robert A. Mullins
Of CounselRobert A. Mullins is a seasoned business litigator and trusted legal advisor to clients across Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Working out of Turner Padget’s Augusta, Georgia office, he focuses his practice on business litigation, registration and infringement of trademarks, copyrights, trade dress, and business counseling. Known for his efficiency, high standards, and close client relationships, he draws on his training in alternative dispute resolution to help clients avoid unnecessary litigation expenses.
Robert has successfully litigated a diverse array of cases, including trademark and copyright infringement actions involving restaurants, retail stores, business names, logo designs, photographs, cybersquatting, trade dress, and more. He has also developed an expansive practice in areas including intellectual property, environmental law, business and corporate law, public contracts and construction, constitutional law, civil rights, and government law. He has successfully argued cases before the appellate courts of Georgia and South Carolina, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. In addition to courtroom advocacy, he provides strategic counsel to help clients prevent and resolve disputes before they escalate.
His professional background includes a legal practice at respected firms such as Hull Barrett and Hunter Maclean, as well as co-founding a private practice with Randy Hall, now the Honorable Judge J. Randal Hall of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia. These experiences have shaped a dynamic career defined by a deep commitment to client service and complex litigation.
Outside the courtroom, he is a dedicated community leader. He has served as president of several nonprofits, including the Greater Augusta Arts Council, the Richmond County Exchange Club, and Le Chat Noir, Inc. He has also held leadership roles on the boards of the Augusta Player Business and Professional Alliance and Bath Gardens Foundation, Inc., and chaired the Columbia County Greenspace Advisory Committee.
Beyond his legal and civic work, Robert is passionate about research and writing. He has authored several law review articles and books on local history. In his free time, he enjoys tending to his vegetable garden—a lifelong hobby that connects him to his roots.
Successfully litigated trademark and copyright infringement actions involving restaurants, retail stores, business names, logo designs, photographs, cybersquatting, trade dress, etc.
Prevented business from opening a music venue under the name of “Blue Horse Music Hall” based on client’s blue mosaic horse displayed above the front door of its event center on basis of service mark infringement.
Successfully defended client’s use of the name “Kyoto Japanese Cuisine” in service mark infringement claim by Kyoto Fantasy Japanese Seafood & Steak House and Kyoto Fantasy Express.
Successfully litigated copyright, trademark, and trade dress infringement action against competing Irish Pub.
Defended individual and business accused of copyright infringement for use of photographer’s photo on their LinkedIn page.
Represented clients in business matters including entity formation, commercial contracts, mergers & acquisitions, non-compete and non-disclosure agreements, license agreements, equipment leases, employment agreements and compensation agreements.
Represented clients in business controversies such as breach of contract, unfair competition, buy-outs, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, debt collection, employment discrimination and civil rights abuses.
Represented clients nationwide in a broad range of environmental law and regulatory matters, including counseling, administrative actions, audits, assessments, commercial transactions, insurance coverage, liability litigation, remediation and permitting of industrial solid waste facilities.
Defended international iron foundry/pump manufacturer (waste generator) in private landfill action alleging liability under CERCLA, Georgia’s Hazardous Site Response Act (“HSRA”), nuisance, negligence, and trespass.
Represented clients in numerous hazardous waste sites, successfully obtaining insurance coverage and reimbursement.
Represented operators of underground storage tank sites in Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, and South Carolina in state remediation and trust fund reimbursement proceedings.
Represented potentially responsible parties in Superfund actions including Aqua-Tech Site, Greer, South Carolina; Enterprise Recovery System's Site, Byhalia, Mississippi; Rouse Steel Drum Site, Jacksonville, Florida; Pickettville Road Landfill Site, Jacksonville, Florida; Florida Petroleum Reprocessors Site, Davie, Florida; and Alternate Energy Site, Augusta, Georgia.
Represented local businesses in litigation enjoining city’s unconstitutional procurement practices.
Served as an expert witness in Atlanta Gas Light Co. v. Trinity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 231 Ga. App. 617 (1998) (testimony regarding the impact of the Georgia Hazardous Response Act and respective legal requirements for contaminated property).
- University of Oregon, J.D., 1991
- Emory University, M.A. Political Science, 1988
- Presbyterian College, B.S. Political Science, 1986
- Georgia Bar, 1991
- South Carolina Bar, 1991
- South Carolina Court of Appeals
- South Carolina Supreme Court
- Georgia Court of Appeals
- Georgia Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Georgia
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
- U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
- Georgia Bar Association
- South Carolina Bar Association
- Sunshine Troublemaker of the Week #25, Sunshine Rev. Blog, May 29, 2008
- Pro Bono Honor Role, State Bar of Georgia, 2005
- Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™-AV Preeminent®
Articles
- Corruption in Municipal Procurement: Foreclosing Challenges of Disappointed Bidders – Augusta, Georgia and the Need for Reform. 42 Pub. Cont. L.J. 281 (2013).
- The Aftermath of Key Tronic Corporation: Implications for Attorney Fee Awards. 24 Envtl. L. 1513 (1994).
- The Recoverability of Attorney Fees as Response Costs under CERCLA. 3 S.C. Envtl. L.J. 1 (1993).
- Recent Case Law Shaping the Practice of Animal Law. In Inside the Minds: Recent Developments in Animal Law (pp. 109-120) (U. S.: Thomson Reuters/Aspatore 2015).
- Beau Jack: The Boxing Life of Sidney Walker, Two-Time Lightweight Champion (Jefferson: McFarland 2019).
- Augusta History Reader (Indiana: Xlibris 2021).
- 12 Monkeys & A Green Jacket (Indiana: Xlibris 2014).
Presentations & Speaking Engagements
- Georgia Philological Association, “Baby Trafficking Exposed in Augusta, Georgia” (2021).
- Georgia Association of Historians, “Sidney ‘Beau Jack’ Walker: A Black Boxer Paves the Route to Integration” (2021).
- Connections 5: 2017 A Critical Thinking Conference, “Paris Climate Accord versus U.S. Constitution: Avenues for Critical Thinking” (2017).
Turner Padget Insights
- Why You Need an Attorney to Register Your Trademark
- Navigating Athletes' Trademarks and NIL Rights in an Evolving Legal Landscape
- NIL and the USPTO: Navigating Intellectual Property for Athletes
- Proposed Tort Reform Legislation in South Carolina
- The FTC's Non-Compete Ban: What Employers and Employees Need to Know
- Staying Competitive through Trademark Protection- What Businesses Need To Know
