Brent Carlson-Lee, President, Open Door Foods

If you’re anything like me, you occasionally muse about being a celebrity.

If I were a movie star, I’d gladly sign autographs – even while at a restaurant with my family.

If I were the author of the hottest business book on the New York Times Best Sellers list, I’d graciously offer advice to an aspiring student – even while running late for my appearance on The Today Show.

If I were a prolific inventor, I would consider someone infringing on my patent the purest form of flattery.

Right?! Probably not.

Which is why I was taken aback by the particularly kind letter Charles Schulz sent to a potential infringer.

While this letter represents a manifestation of Minnesota Nice circa 1960, it warmed my heart to see that such behavior is alive and well – albeit rare – in 2012.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of Jack Daniels’ label and the cover of Broken Piano for President, which are obviously quite similar.

Did Jack Daniels fulfill its expected role of trademark bully? Nope. See an excerpt of its cease and desist letter below.

This is how you’d respond. Right?!