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 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 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 | September 18, 1926 Portsmouth, Ohio |
| Died | October 12, 1994 (aged 68) Arlington, Virginia |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Ann Weaver |
| 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
edit- ^ a b "David L. Ladd bio" (PDF). U.S. Copyright Office. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 May 2012. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
- ^ a b c Saxon, Wolfgang (18 October 1994). "David L. Ladd Is Dead at 68; Expert on Patents and Copyrights". The New York Times. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
- ^ Holland, Bill (23 March 1985). Ladd Defends Advocate Role. Billboard Magazine. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
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