F. Donald Paris (Don) retired in 2002 from the Law Department of ExxonMobil Corporation, where he specialized in intellectual property law with emphasis on the protection of intellectual property (IP) vis a vis patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, technology transfer through licensing and related agreements, and acquisition of technology through research and development agreements and licensing. Don counseled and supported clients in all aspects of intellectual property including protecting and managing intellectual and proprietary assets, establishing IP programs, filing and prosecuting U.S. and non-U.S. patent applications, drafting and negotiating worldwide agreements for licensing technology and patent rights and for research and development and joint venture projects, and license, guarantee, engineering, secrecy, consulting, and other agreements related to licensing and acquisition of proprietary technology. He also helped develop IP guidelines and policies for corporate management, and counseled clients in areas of U.S. Export Control and Foreign Corrupt Practice Act. Mr. Paris’ responsibilities were geographically diverse, including the United States, Canada, Central and South America, United Kingdom, Europe, Far East, Australia, India, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, Russia, and China.
Don received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in 1962 and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in 1966. He also attended Columbia University Parker School of International Law. At NJIT, he was a member of Eta Kappa Nu, the electrical engineering honor society, and was on the Dean’s List. Mr. Paris was a member of Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity.
Before joining ExxonMobil, Mr. Paris was employed as a Patent Attorney with The Singer Company and was a Patent Examiner with the United States Patent Office from 1962 to 1966.
Mr. Paris is a Registered U.S. Patent Attorney. Professionally, he is a member of the State Bars of New York, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia. He also is a member of the Licensing Executives Society, and past member of the Intellectual Property Section of the American Bar Association and the New Jersey Intellectual Property Law Association.
Don was very active in community life when he resided in New Jersey for more than 35 years. He was a member, including President and Vice President, of the local and regional school boards of education for 18 years and on various township committees and boards, and an active participant and coach in youth programs. Mr. Paris was selected as Citizen of the Year by the local Clark B’nai B’rith Chapter and participated in Leadership New Jersey.
Don and his wife, Maxine, now reside in Delray Beach, Florida, and spend part of their time at Beach Haven, Long Beach Island, New Jersey. They have three sons, Drs. Scot, Jay and Brian and six grandchildren.
