Declaration of Michael J. Jackson in Support of Establishing Status of Triumph International, Inc. as a small entity, signature page, August 25, 1992

Michael Jackson started performing at six with his brothers as the Jackson Five, and grew up to become an internationally famous, award-winning star, known as the “King of Pop.” This patent for a shoe which allows the “wearer to lean forwardly beyond his center of gravity” was created by Jackson and two other designers, so he could perform live on stage a signature move that he’d previously done in the music video for “Smooth Criminal.” The trick had previously been accomplished for the “Smooth Criminal” video using wires. Jackson was known for using unique moves like this and the Moonwalk to enhance his stage performances.

National Archives, Records of the Patent and Trademark Office