John R. Ross

John R. Ross has built a long career blending engineering insight with legal skill, focusing on patent and intellectual property matters. He has guided organizations through complex technical issues, applying practical judgment to protect innovations and manage legal risks across evolving industries. His approach emphasizes clarity, strategy, and reliable counsel.

John earned his BS degree in Nuclear Engineering at North Carolina State College, grounding his work in technical training. He later completed his Juris Doctor in Law at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, enabling him to transition from engineering duties into a legal career focused on intellectual property and technology matters.

John began his professional journey as a Test Engineer at the Shippingport Nuclear Power Station near Pittsburgh, where he oversaw physics tests on the reactor. This early work refined his analytical thinking and strengthened his understanding of systems, providing a technical base that later shaped his intellectual property practice.

John entered legal practice after completing law school, joining the Law Department of Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Pittsburgh. His work supported Westinghouse’s Nuclear Energy Systems as he applied engineering knowledge to legal issues involving nuclear plant development during an important stage in the global industry’s ongoing evolution.

John later continued his legal career in California, contributing to major litigation and intellectual property projects for General Atomic Company in San Diego. His responsibilities expanded as he handled technically complex issues, guiding internal teams through legal challenges linked to research, emerging technologies, and broader commercial considerations across multiple scientific applications.

John advanced further by opening the Ross Patent Law Office and later serving as General Counsel at Western Research Corporation, which became Thermo Trex Corporation. He also held key intellectual property roles at Cymer, Inc. and Trex Enterprises Corporation, supporting innovation in excimer lasers, advanced research programs, and high-technology development initiatives.

John R. Ross has remained dedicated to intellectual property law since becoming an attorney in 1968 and a patent attorney in 1981. His long record of service includes membership in the California State Bar, San Diego County Bar Association, American Bar Association, and registration before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder, Ross Patent Law Office
• Member, The California State Bar
• Member, San Diego County Association
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Duquesne University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• North Carolina State College
  BS in Nuclear Engineering

Awards & Badges