Issue No. 072 · Story 03 · November 2, 2026

Cardsmiths Challenges Mickey Mantle Rights Claims

Cardsmiths filed a federal complaint against Danny Mantle, William Mantle and others on October 28 over letters to retailers about its Mickey Mantle trading card. It alleges the letters asserted trademark and publicity rights the defendants do not hold and caused retailer cancellations, returns and concessions. As of November 2, no court has decided the merits of any claim.

§Currency Series 5 card number 118 depicts an artist's rendition of the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card as a graded collectible with Cardsmiths' own design.
§Cardsmiths alleges letters to Best Buy, GameStop and other retailers demanded that they stop selling the product and threatened litigation.
§It seeks compensatory and punitive damages, a declaration that the card does not violate trademark or publicity rights, restrictions on retailer contacts, and fees and costs.

THE TAKEAWAY

The complaint asks whether an artist's rendering of the historic Mickey Mantle card is protected expression under the First Amendment or a use of his name and likeness that needs permission. It also asks whether letters to retailers asserting those rights can support interference claims.

Filing: ESCA Filings

Same issue

Cate Blanchett Asks Court to Consider OpenAI Licensing Brief

On October 30, Cate Blanchett, Steven Soderbergh and Nick Hexum joined six organizations seeking permission to file a proposed friend-of-the-court brief in copyright owners' case against OpenAI and Microsoft. The proposed brief argues that licensing for AI training is workable and already happening. As of November 2, no court has decided the merits or granted permission to file the brief.

Audi of America Sues Everbright Over Toy Cars

On October 28, Audi of America, Automobili Lamborghini America and Volkswagen Group of America sued Everbright Trading and Lisen Pan in federal court. The complaint alleges Everbright imports and sells toy cars bearing counterfeit brand marks and copies the real vehicles' look. As of November 2, no court has ruled on any claim.

Trademark