Mr. Monopoly Controversy

 While researching the Monopoly car token I stumbled upon the Mr. Monoply Controversy. Apparently most researchers belive that Mr. Monopoly was based upon Otto Hermann Kahn. Hasbro and Parker Brothers employees have claimed that Mr. Monopoly was based on buisnessman J. P. Morgan. However there are more similaries to Mr. Kahn.

First, he resembles Mr. Monopoly in both features and dress. They both share the famous mustache.

Secondly, the Monopoly car token closely resembles one of his real life cars.

Thirdly, Otto was a partner at Kuhn, Loeb & Co, which was know for reorganizing and consolidating railroads. Monopoly was very similar to other early real estate boardgames except for the inclusion of the railroads.

While I love a good consperacy theory, I ask what does Hasbro/Parker Brothers have to gain by denying Mr. Kahn as the inspiration? Perharps they are trying to avoid paying royalties to the Kahn family.