The Bureau has carefully considered the counter-intelligence suggestion submitted in referenced letter which proposed that we mail anonymously or under an assumed name to Hanna-Barbera Productions, Hollywood, California, a copy of a leaflet prepared by the SWP to advertise one of their social events, an open house benefit affair, on 7/22/62. This leaflet is decorated with a reproduction of "Yogi Bear," a cartoon character copyrighted by the Hanna-Barbera Productions. San Francisco considers that it may be possible that Hanna-Barbera Productions would take legal action against the SWP for copyright infringement and also points out that there may be a technical violation of Title 17, United States Code, Section 104.
Bureau authority to carry out this counterintelligence operation against the SWP is being held in abeyance pending presentation of this matter to the United States Attorney under the Copyright Matters classification. With sufficient details to show that Hanna-Barbera Productions has a valid copyright for "Yogi Bear," you should discuss this case with the United States Attorney. Provided the United States Attorney declines to consider prosecution and states that he does not desire any further investigation by the FBI, you should request the Bureau to consider further the counterintelligence suggestion.
Submit your comments and recommendations promptly under the SWP Disruption Program caption.
You should also submit a report in this matter under the caption "Socialist Workers Party, Copyright Matters" making certain to include details which are the basis for the statement in referenced letter that "Yogi Bear" is copyrighted by Hanna-Barbera Productions
Note on Yellow:
This leaflet was obtained by the San Francisco Office through a confidental Post Office box.