I recently read a short piece on a man named Gordon Gould. Some credit him with the invention of the laser. Apparently he had a lab at Columbia University down the hall from Townes. He apparently came up with the idea first but never got a patent for it because his lawyer said he needed a prototype first.(Lawyers)! Townes many years later , in court, admitted he saw some of Gould writings. Gould eventually went on to win millions in a law suit.
Just thought this might be interesting for everyone.

Robert