Profile: Charles S Cotropia

Trademarks

Biography: Trademarks

Charles S Cotropia, a partner in Sidley's Dallas office, has extensive litigation experience having handled cases in Federal Court involving trademarks, service marks, copyrights and patents. He has represented clients with products and services in many diverse areas, including wearing apparel (Justin Brands, Inc), consumer products (Litex Industries, Inc), high-tech products (Lockheed Martin), restaurants (TGI Friday's and Fuddrucker's) and building design (Holiday Retirement Corporation). This representation has included infringement issues involving trademarks/service marks, copyrights, unfair competition, product trade dress and building decor. His practice also encompasses appeals in the Federal Courts and in appellate review before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He has represented clients in licensing as well as in mediations to resolve disputes both before and during litigation.

For 30 years, Mr Cotropia has been involved in the registration of trademarks and the procurement of patents through the United States Patent and Trademark Office. For his clients, he has registered more than 800 trademarks and has obtained more than 600 patents in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Mr Cotropia has served as chairman (2000-2001) and as a director of the intellectual property law section of the State Bar of Texas. He has also served as a director of the Dallas Bar Association, of the intellectual property law section of the Dallas Bar Association and as an officer of the Dallas-Fort Worth intellectual property law section.

Mr Cotropia received a JD from Cornell Law School and a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas.