Background
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.
As Commissioner Commissioner of Patents
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.
Student, Kenyon College, 1944; Bachelor of Arts, University of Chicago, 1949; Juris Doctor, University of Chicago, 1953.
In 1961, Ladd was appointed to lead the United States. Patent Office by President John F. Kennedy. At age 35, he was the second youngest man to ever hold the position. 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.
In 1980, Ladd succeeded Barbara Ringer as United States. 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. Ladd was succeeded by Donald Curran in 1985 and returned to private practice at Wiley, Rein & Fielding.
Served with Army of the United States, 1945-1946. Member American Bar Association, American Intellectual Property Association, Chicago Patent Law Association, Copyright Society United States of America Clubs: Quadrangle (Chicago). Dayton Racquet, Cosmos.
Married Ann Weaver, 1966.