David Ladd (attorney)
David Lowell Ladd (September 18, 1926 – October 12, 1994) was a former Commissioner of Patents and Register of Copyrights in the United States, the first (and currently only) individual to serve in both offices.
David Ladd | |
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U.S. Commissioner of Patents | |
In office 1961–1963 | |
Preceded by | Robert C. Watson |
Succeeded by | Edward J. Brenner |
10th Register of Copyrights | |
In office June 2, 1980 – January 2, 1985 | |
Preceded by | Barbara Ringer |
Succeeded by | Donald Curran |
Personal details | |
Born | Portsmouth, Ohio | September 18, 1926
Died | October 12, 1994 68) Arlington, Virginia | (aged
Nationality | American |
Spouse(s) | Ann Weaver Ladd |
Alma mater | University of Chicago (J.D. and B.A.) |
Military service | |
Branch/service | U.S. Army |
Years of service | 1945–1946 |
Ladd was born in Portsmouth, Ohio and attended the University of Chicago, where he received a bachelor of arts degree and, later, a degree in law.[1] In 1961, Ladd was appointed to lead the U.S. Patent Office by President John F. Kennedy. At age 35, he was the second youngest man to ever hold the position.[2]
As Commissioner of Patents, Ladd led a comprehensive reorganization of the Office and was present during the Office's 125th anniversary and granting of patent number 3,000,000.[2]
In 1980, Ladd succeeded Barbara Ringer as U.S. Register of Copyrights. Like Ringer, Ladd was seen as a strong advocate for authors' rights, and he adopted the position that the Copyright Office should play an active role in favor of copyright protection in public policy discussions.[3]
Ladd was succeeded by Donald Curran in 1985 and returned to private practice at Wiley, Rein & Fielding.[1] He retired in 1987 and died in his home in Alexandria, Virginia in 1994, survived by his wife.[2]
References
- "David L. Ladd bio" (PDF). U.S. Copyright Office. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 May 2012. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
- Saxon, Wolfgang (18 October 1994). "David L. Ladd Is Dead at 68; Expert on Patents and Copyrights". New York Times. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
- Holland, Bill (23 March 1985). Ladd Defends Advocate Role. Billboard Magazine. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
Government offices | ||
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Preceded by Robert C. Watson |
Commissioner of Patents 1961–1963 |
Succeeded by Edward J. Brenner |
Preceded by Barbara Ringer |
Register of Copyrights 1980–1985 |
Succeeded by Donald Curran |