Biography

Richard Brophy is a nationally recognized trial lawyer who represents clients in high-stakes patent, antitrust, intellectual property, and complex commercial litigation throughout the United States. He has litigated more than 140 patent and antitrust cases and routinely serves as first-chair trial counsel in disputes involving hundreds of millions of dollars in potential exposure. His trial successes include multimillion-dollar jury verdicts on behalf of patent owners and complete defense victories in patent infringement and antitrust litigation. Representing both plaintiffs and defendants, Richard brings extensive trial experience and a strategic approach to protecting valuable innovations, defending against substantial claims, and resolving business-critical disputes.

Richard's recent successes include defeating a $150 million Walker Process antitrust claim and securing a complete defense victory in litigation involving three asserted patents, invalidating two patents and establishing noninfringement of the third. He has also defended a number of telecommunications companies in major copyright litigation brought by the nation's three largest record companies, involving hundreds of millions of dollars in potential exposure. On the plaintiff side, Richard has secured multimillion-dollar jury verdicts for patent owners in cases involving technologies ranging from computer software to explosives detection systems. His litigation experience spans numerous technologies and industries, including computer software, aerospace, telecommunications, medical technology, construction equipment, security systems, and industrial manufacturing.

Richard's practice extends beyond the trial courtroom. He has argued numerous appeals before federal appellate courts across the United States, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and routinely litigates matters before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

A defining strength of Richard's practice is his ability to master technically sophisticated subject matter and make it understandable and compelling to judges and juries. Before becoming an attorney, Richard worked as an aerospace and software engineer, including work supporting the U.S. Navy's F/A-18 fighter aircraft program at Boeing. His technical background informs every stage of his litigation strategy, from evaluating complex technologies and developing persuasive case themes to preparing and cross-examining technical experts at trial. Richard is particularly adept at challenging opposing expert testimony and using effective cross-examination to expose weaknesses in an adversary's case.

Richard is recognized by Chambers USA, IAM Patent 1000, Benchmark Litigation, Managing Intellectual Property's IP Stars, and The Best Lawyers in America. His honors include recognition as a National Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation and Lawyer of the Year for Patent Litigation by Best Lawyers.

Beyond patent litigation, Richard handles significant antitrust, copyright, trademark, trade secret, and complex commercial disputes. His practice includes litigation involving competition and market conduct, intellectual property enforcement and defense, and other high-value business controversies. He also advises clients on patent validity challenges and proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Richard serves on Armstrong Teasdale's Executive Committee, helping guide the firm's strategic direction and leadership. He earned his law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law and his degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is also a registered patent attorney.

Education

  • Saint Louis University School of Law  (J.D., 2007)
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign  (B.S., 2002)
    • Aerospace Engineering

Admissions

  • Missouri, 2007
  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Professional Activities

  • The Missouri Bar
  • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
  • American Bar Association (Litigation, Antitrust, Intellectual Property)

Charitable and Civic Involvement

  • St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts

Accolades

  • Managing Intellectual Property, IP Stars (2024-present)
  • Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers in Business, Intellectual Property (2019-present)
  • IAM Patent 1000: The World's Leading Patent Professionals (2021-present)
  • Benchmark Litigation, Local Litigation Star, Intellectual Property (2021-present); National Litigation Star (2025)
  • Benchmark Litigation, "40 & Under Hot List" (2018-2020)
  • The Best Lawyers in America®; Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent (2019-present); Lawyer of the Year, Litigation - Patent (2023)
  • Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers® (2021-present); Rising Star (2012-2020)

Background

In his previous career as an engineer, Richard provided pilot training and simulation services for the Navy’s F/A-18 program at Boeing Co. and, before that, ensured the security of MasterCard International’s network as a technical consultant.

Prior to joining the firm, Richard was in private practice at a boutique intellectual property firm.

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