Bey & Cotropia

Bey & Cotropia PLLC is a specialized intellectual property law firm based in Richmond, Virginia. The firm maintains a single office, emphasizing a focused approach to patent law rather than expanding through multiple locations. While not a BigLaw firm, its members collectively bring extensive experience, including over 15 years in Am Law 100 firms. It has been recognized in Richmond as a Tier 2 firm for Patent Law.

The firm's IP litigation practice demonstrates capabilities across a broad spectrum of technologies. Its notable experience includes complex disputes related to network security, packet filtering, computer networking, and cybersecurity, as evidenced by the significant Centripetal Networks v. Cisco Systems, Inc. litigation. Bey & Cotropia also states expertise in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software, Computer Architecture & Security, Cloud Computing & Storage, Biomedical Devices, and Wireless & Digital Communications.

Bey & Cotropia handles patent litigation for both plaintiffs and defendants, with tracked appearances showing two instances as plaintiff's counsel and one as defendant's local counsel. The firm explicitly offers services for both patent enforcement and infringement defense.

A prominent case handled by the firm is Centripetal Networks, LLC v. Cisco Systems, Inc. Christopher Cotropia served as appellate counsel in this matter. Initially, Centripetal Networks secured a district court judgment finding willful infringement and a damages award totaling between $2.6 and $3.2 billion, which was, at the time, the largest U.S. patent case award. However, this judgment was subsequently vacated by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit due to a judicial recusal issue. On remand, a new district court judge found non-infringement on the key asserted patents.

The firm also possesses a robust practice before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), regularly preparing and filing briefs and conducting oral arguments for clients. Partner Dawn-Marie Bey is noted for her particular expertise in proceedings before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, including ex parte and inter partes patent reviews. Key partners leading the firm's patent practice include Christopher Cotropia, who is a recognized expert in patent law and a David Weaver Research Professor of Law, and Dawn-Marie Bey, the firm's managing partner, who leads patent prosecution and portfolio management and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer in intellectual property law.