The National Archives has a new exhibit opening on Friday called "Making Their Mark: Stories Through Signatures." It's an interesting collection of artifacts that feature signatures. Included in the exhibit are things like Hitler's marriage certificate, Michael Jackson's patent for moonwalking shoes (who'd have guessed), John Wilkes Booth's calling card for Andrew Johnson, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg's kid's note to Truman asking him to spare their parents, letters from Johnny Cash and Katherine Hepburn, FDR's request for more money to help deport Japanese during World War II, etc. Also included is a patent infringement claim from Walt Disney against Van Beuren Corporation for ripping off his Mickey and Minnie Mouse characters. As the sign says:
Mickey and Minnie vs Milton and Mary:
Few cartoon characters are more recognizable around the world than Mickey Mouse and his girlfriend Minnie Mouse. This early copyright infringement case came just a few years after Mickey and Minnie Mouse had been copyrighted and trademarked. Walt Disney won his case against the creators of Mickey and Minnie look-a-likes Milton and Mary. The defendants, the Pathe Exchange and Van Beuren Corporation, were barred from ever using Milton or Mary in another animated film.
Mickey and Minnie vs Milton and Mary:
Few cartoon characters are more recognizable around the world than Mickey Mouse and his girlfriend Minnie Mouse. This early copyright infringement case came just a few years after Mickey and Minnie Mouse had been copyrighted and trademarked. Walt Disney won his case against the creators of Mickey and Minnie look-a-likes Milton and Mary. The defendants, the Pathe Exchange and Van Beuren Corporation, were barred from ever using Milton or Mary in another animated film.
Other photos from the exhibit are on www.bguthriephotos.com/graphlib.nsf/keys/2014_03_18C_Signatures
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