History of Autopen in Timeline

An autopen, also known as a signing machine, is a device used to automatically reproduce a person's signature. It is commonly used by public figures such as celebrities and politicians who are required to sign numerous documents or autographs daily. By using an autopen, these individuals can have their signature replicated on demand without needing to physically sign each item, thereby saving significant time and effort. The autopen allows for the efficient distribution of signed materials.

1937: Robot Pen Commercially Available

In 1937, the Robot Pen became commercially available. The pen records a signer's signature and allows for mass production of the signature when needed.

1942: De Shazo's Autopen Receives First Order

In 1942, Robert M. De Shazo Jr. received an order for his autopen machine from the United States Secretary of the Navy. This marked the beginning of a significant market in government for the autopen.

2004: Rumsfeld Criticized for Autopen Use

In 2004, Donald Rumsfeld, then the U.S. Secretary of Defense, faced criticism after it was discovered that his office used an autopen to sign letters of condolence to families of American soldiers killed in war.

2005: George W. Bush Requests Opinion on Autopen Constitutionality

In 2005, George W. Bush requested and received a favorable opinion from the Department of Justice regarding the constitutionality of using the autopen, but he did not end up using it.

2005: Department of Justice Responds to Inquiry Regarding Autopen Use

In 2005, the Department of Justice responded to an inquiry regarding the use of the autopen, finding its use consistent with Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution.

January 3, 2013: Obama Signs Bush Tax Cuts Extension with Autopen

On January 3, 2013, Barack Obama signed the extension to the Bush tax cuts using an autopen while on vacation in Hawaii. This action sparked debate among Republican leaders regarding its constitutionality.

2019: Bob Dylan's Artwork Signed with Autopen

After 2019, some prints of Bob Dylan's artwork were signed with an autopen, which Dylan attributed to vertigo and the COVID-19 pandemic.

November 2022: Bob Dylan's Book Signatures Forged by Autopen

In November 2022, it was reported that some copies of Bob Dylan's book, "The Philosophy of Modern Song", were signed with an autopen, leading to criticism and refunds offered to customers.

The Philosophy of Modern Song

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May 2024: Biden Uses Autopen for FAA Funding Extension

In May 2024, Joe Biden directed that an autopen be used to sign legislation providing a one-week funding extension for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).