Panini Copyright Gap Map
Attorney Work Product · Privileged & Confidential
19 Gaps Identified

Panini America:
Copyright Chain-of-Title Investigation

Six predecessor company chains. 19 identified copyright gaps. Living witnesses. Immediate action steps. Built from primary-source bankruptcy court opinions, artist interviews, and Copyright Office records research. July 15, 2026.

Severity Key
CRITICAL — High value, immediate action
HIGH — Strong gap, near-term
MEDIUM — Gap present, lower value
ACTION — Witness alive / docs obtainable
FRAMEWORK — Legal / strategic context
Panini America, Inc.
Irving, Texas · Founded as Donruss 1954 · Acquired by Panini Group (Italy) 2009
Holds: Donruss, Score, Prizm, Optic, National Treasures, Diamond Kings brands
NFL license expired March 31, 2026 · NBA & MLB licenses lost 2022–2026
Fanatics Antitrust Suit (Active 2026) Wild Card $25M Settlement 2023 Post-2026 Retro Risk
Predecessor Ownership Chains & Copyright Gaps
Donruss Core Chain
1954 → 2009
Critical
Donruss / General Mills→1983
Huhtamäki / Leaf→1996
Pinnacle Brands→ ⚡ §3631999
Playoff Corp ← GAP→2009
Panini America
  • #1
    Pinnacle §363 APA (1999) — IP Schedule Unknown"All assets" language; MLBP license excluded. APA not public.DE Bankr. 98-1716 (MFW) — NARA Philadelphia
  • #3
    Donruss 1984–96 Design CopyrightHuhtamäki → Pinnacle 1996 APA: IP schedule not public.Referenced in court opinion; schedules not produced
  • #12
    Donruss Playoff LP Dissolution → PaniniLP asset sale; no public copyright assignment filed.ICv2, Beckett press reports 2009
  • #2
    General Mills Photography (1981–83)Freelancers incl. Keith Olbermann; license ≠ assignment.Perez interviews confirming early freelance photo use
Diamond Kings / Dick Perez ⭐
1982–Present — Best Lead
Critical ⭐
Dick Perez / Perez-Steele Galleries→ ⚡ NO ASSIGNMENT
Donruss ← POSSIBLE GAP→ carried thru chain → Panini (uses brand today)
🔴 ~375 Paintings, 1982–1996
Perez was an independent contractor through Perez-Steele Galleries. Changed designs "for his own fun." Paintings do not fall in any §101 work-for-hire category. No written assignment found anywhere. Perez alive (~85), now creating for Topps. Panini still produces "Donruss Diamond Kings."
  • #15
    No Copyright Assignment: Perez-Steele → Donruss17 U.S.C. §204 requires written signed instrument. None found.Philadelphia Inquirer 2022, Hobby News Daily 2023, REA Q&A
  • #17
    Frank Steele Estate (co-owner, deceased)Galleries records or estate probate papers.Perez-Steele Galleries was the contracting entity
Pacific Trading Cards ⭐
1987–2004 — Best Lead
Critical ⭐
Pacific Trading Cards (Mike Cramer)→ ⚡ "BRANDS" ONLY?2004
Playoff Corp ← BRANDS GAP→2009
Panini America (Prizm = Pacific Prism)
🔴 Cramer's Own Words
"Sold his company and brands to Playoff." Copyright in card designs and photography not mentioned as transferred. Cramer personally photographed many Pacific cards. Alive, ~71, Edmonds WA, recently published memoir.
  • #6
    2004 Pacific → Playoff: "Brands" vs. CopyrightSports Collectors Daily, Aug. 2023 Cramer interview
  • #7
    Cramer Personal Photography (1993–2004)Without written assignment, Cramer retains copyright individually.Herald Net Oct. 2023; Cramer's Choice memoir
  • #8
    Prizm Design: Pacific Prism → Panini PrizmTrademark transfer confirmed; copyright in original design unconfirmed.
Score / Optigraphics
1988–Present
High
Optigraphics / Score (1988)→1992
Pinnacle Brands→ ⚡ §3631999
Playoff → Panini ← CHAIN GAP
  • #5
    Score Photography Authorship (1988–98)Wire service + freelancers. ~60,000–80,000 photos across 4 sports. License ≠ assignment.Industry history; wire service licensing standards
  • #18
    AP/Getty Commercial Licenses May Be ExpiredPanini retro Score products may reproduce images under expired licenses.Industry photography licensing practice
Press Pass / NASCAR
1991–2016
Critical
Press Pass, Inc.→ ⚡ MISSING APA2006
FCS Enterprises ← GAP→ RC2 Corp →~2012
Panini America 2016 ← GAP
FCS Enterprises: Still Active
DE File No. 2948572 — "AR Filed, Tax Due" as of March 2026. Not defunct — can be served. David L. Widener (President/Treasurer) and Curtis W. Stoelting (RC2 CEO) named, signed. Only Burning Rubber trademark publicly transferred; no copyright recordation found for any Press Pass design.
  • #13
    2006 Purchase Agreement MissingOnly Burning Rubber TM found; no Copyright Office recordation.Press Pass research brief; USPTO reel records
Wild Card / Action Packed / Collector's Edge
1989–2000 → Playoff
Critical / Active Lit.
Wild Card, Inc.→ ⚡ SETTLED $25M 2023
Action Packed → Pinnacle 1994→ ⚡ TWO UNDOC. TRANSFERS
Collector's Edge → Playoff ~2000→ ⚡ UNKNOWN STRUCTURE
  • #14
    Historical Insert Reuse (Stat Smashers, En Fuego, Flame Throwers)$25M settled 2023; others unresolved. Active pattern.Sports Collectors Daily, Sept. 2023
  • #9
    Action Packed → Pinnacle (1994) → Playoff (1999)Two undocumented transfers; no public IP schedule.
  • #19
    Collector's Edge Acquisition Unknown~2000; structure unknown; no public record.
Panini's Own Designs 2009–Present
Defensive Gap
High — Defensive
Expert Confirmed (Paul Lesko, Hobby Attorney)
"The trading card industry doesn't file many [copyright registrations]." Panini has trademarks for names (Prizm, Color Blast, Downtown, National Treasures) — not the visual designs. Topps copied Color Blast and Home Field Advantage in 2024 without consequence.
  • #11
    Color Blast, Downtown, Prizm, Optic — UnregisteredPanini cannot sue Topps/Fanatics for copying its most valuable insert designs.Cllct.com / Lesko analysis, 2024
  • #16
    Post-2026 Retro Program RiskEach retro reissue from unverified predecessor design = new exposure.Industry license analysis, Feb. 2026
Living Witnesses — Immediate Outreach Priority
Dick Perez ⭐
Painter, ~375 Diamond Kings (1982–1996) · Perez-Steele Galleries · Age ~85 · Wayne, PA · Currently creating cards for Topps
Contact Channels
✉ Intermediary (Recommended): Marq Evans (filmmaker)
marq@marqevans.com · @marq_evans on X
📬 Certified mail: P.O. Box 503, Wayne, PA 19087
📷 Instagram DM (secondary): @dickperezart
Key QuestionDid you or Perez-Steele Galleries ever sign a written copyright assignment to Donruss/General Mills/Huhtamäki/Leaf or any successor? (17 U.S.C. §204 requires writing + signature.)
Mike Cramer ⭐
Founder & CEO, Pacific Trading Cards (1987–2004) · Age ~71 · Edmonds, WA · Author, Cramer's Choice (McFarland, 2023)
Contact Channels
✉ Intermediary: Sports Card Nation Podcast
sportscardnationpc@gmail.com · 315-491-0239
📚 Publisher: McFarland Books
info@mcfarlandpub.com · 336-246-4460
Key QuestionDid the 2004 sale to Playoff include copyright in Pacific card designs and photography, or only trademark brand names? What was the written agreement?
Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor
Debtors' counsel, Pinnacle Brands bankruptcy (1998–2001) · Wilmington, DE · May retain Playoff APA and IP schedules
Contact Information
📞 302-571-6600
📍 1000 N. King Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
🌐 ycst.com
PurposeDoes your firm retain a copy of the 1999 Pinnacle/Playoff Asset Purchase Agreement, including the IP schedules?
Robert Edward Auctions
Conducted Dick Perez original painting auctions · Direct commercial relationship with Perez · Chester, NJ
Contact Information
📞 908-226-9900
📍 245 Main St., Suite 113, Chester, NJ 07930
PurposeSecondary path to Dick Perez. Can facilitate introduction or confirm provenance bearing on copyright ownership.
Document & Records Actions
Delaware Bankruptcy Court
Case No. 98-1716 (MFW) — Pinnacle Brands
824 N. Market St., 3rd Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801 · 302-252-2900
helpdeskde@deb.uscourts.gov · Pre-ECF — paper/microfiche at NARA Philadelphia
  1. Mail $34.00 certified check to Clerk, USBC requesting FRC accession/box numbers for Case 98-1716
  2. Use NARA SmartScan for sale order + motion (~$19.90 + $0.65/page, PDF via email)
  3. Full APA (>100 pages): NARA retrieval at $70 flat (NATF Form 90 at archives.gov)
  4. Parallel shortcut: Call Young Conaway (302-571-6600) — may retain their own copy
U.S. Copyright Office
§201.2 Formal Search — RRC Division
Phone: 1-877-476-0778 · P.O. Box 70400, Washington, DC 20559-0400
Online catalog incomplete pre-2000; written search covers ALL microfilm records
  1. Call first at 1-877-476-0778 for per-name cost estimate before submitting
  2. Submit written request for 15 entity names as claimants, transferors, and transferees
  3. Most critical: "Perez-Steele Galleries" as transferor — absence of assignment is equally probative
  4. Ask whether pre-2000 Donruss microfilm is digitized; request routine + expedited options
State Corporate Records
Delaware + Washington + Texas
FCS Enterprises: DE File 2948572 — "AR Filed, Tax Due" March 2026 (can be served)
Pacific Trading Cards: WA dissolution · Donruss Playoff LP: TX SOS termination
  1. Delaware SOS: FCS Enterprises records — corps.delaware.gov or 302-739-3073
  2. Washington SOS: Pacific Trading Cards dissolution + asset distribution — sos.wa.gov
  3. Texas SOS: Donruss Playoff LP termination & IP distribution — sos.state.tx.us
Prioritized Action Timeline
Day 1 — Today
Email Marq Evans (Perez intermediary)
marq@marqevans.com · @marq_evans on X · Establish professional introduction to Perez
$0
Day 1 — Today
Email Sports Card Nation Podcast (Cramer intermediary)
sportscardnationpc@gmail.com · 315-491-0239
$0
Day 1 — Today
Email McFarland Books (Cramer publisher)
info@mcfarlandpub.com · 336-246-4460 · Parallel path to Cramer
$0
Days 1–3
Certified letter to Dick Perez
USPS Certified + Return Receipt · P.O. Box 503, Wayne, PA 19087
~$8
Days 1–3
Mail $34 certified check to Delaware Bankruptcy Court Clerk
824 N. Market St., 3rd Floor, Wilmington DE 19801 · Request FRC accession for Case 98-1716
$34
Days 1–3
Call Copyright Office RRC for cost estimate
1-877-476-0778 · 15 entity names · Mail formal §201.2 request once estimate confirmed
Call is free
Days 5–7
Follow up with Evans if no response; try @dickperezart Instagram DM
Tertiary Perez channel; confirm Sports Card Nation contact with Cramer
$0
Days 7–14
Court FRC info returned → Submit NARA retrieval
SmartScan for sale order + motion · Standard retrieval for full APA
$70–$113
Days 14–21
Copyright Office cost estimate → Remit payment → Search begins
Covers 15 entity names incl. Perez-Steele Galleries, all Pinnacle/Playoff entities
Variable
Days 21–30
Follow up with Perez if no response to certified letter
Contact Robert Edward Auctions (908-226-9900) as final Perez intermediary
$0
Days 30–45
Copyright Office results + NARA APA delivery expected
Analyze IP schedules from Playoff APA · Cross-reference against gap register · Update map
—
Complete Gap Register — All 19 Gaps
#Gap NameChain / PredecessorSeverityStatus
15Dick Perez Diamond Kings Copyright
~375 paintings, 1982–1996; no written assignment		Perez-Steele → DonrussCRITICALPerez alive; outreach drafted
6Pacific 2004 Sale — "Brands" vs. CopyrightPacific → PlayoffCRITICALCramer alive; outreach drafted
7Cramer Personal Photography (1993–2004)Pacific → PlayoffCRITICALCramer alive; witness outreach
1Pinnacle §363 APA IP SchedulePinnacle → PlayoffCRITICALObtainable from NARA Philadelphia
12Donruss Playoff LP Dissolution → PaniniDonruss Playoff LP → PaniniCRITICALTexas SOS records
13Press Pass 2006 Purchase Agreement MissingPress Pass → FCS → PaniniCRITICALFCS Enterprises active; can be served
14Historical Insert Reuse (Stat Smashers, En Fuego)
$25M settled 2023; others unresolved		Wild Card / Action Packed → PaniniCRITICALActive pattern; precedent set
11Panini Post-2009 Designs UnregisteredPanini 2009–present (defensive)HIGHExpert confirmed; Topps copying w/ no consequence
3Donruss 1984–96 Designs (Huhtamäki APA)Huhtamäki/Leaf → PinnacleHIGHAPA exists; IP schedule not public
5Score Photography Authorship (1988–98)Optigraphics/Score → PinnacleHIGHWire service + freelancers presumptively retain copyright
8Prizm Design: Pacific Prism → Panini PrizmPacific → Playoff → PaniniHIGHTrademark confirmed; copyright not
16Post-2026 Retro Program RiskPanini 2026+HIGHNFL license expired March 31, 2026
17Frank Steele Estate (Perez-Steele co-owner)Perez-Steele GalleriesHIGHSteele deceased; estate records needed
18Score Photography Licenses vs. OwnershipScore/Optigraphics chainHIGHAP/Getty license expiration research needed
9Action Packed → Pinnacle (1994) → Playoff (1999)Action Packed → PinnacleMEDIUMTwo undocumented transfers
10Fleer Name / DesignFleer brand (UD → Topps → Panini)MEDIUMLicense to name only; Panini lost post-2026
2General Mills Photography (1981–83)General Mills/DonrussMEDIUMFreelancers incl. Olbermann; lower exploitation value
19Collector's Edge Acquisition UnknownCollector's Edge → Playoff ~2000MEDIUMUnknown structure; no public record
4Crusade Design Chain (1999)Pinnacle → Playoff → PaniniMEDIUMNo registration in hand at time of 2013 suit