Laemmle created Yankee Film Company in 1909. Then he merged with five smaller companies on June 8, 1912. He bought the companies and incorporated Universal Pictures Company, Inc. in 1925.
The first feature by Universal was "Traffic in Souls" in 1913. It grossed half a million dollars and was the first to give the impression of simultaneously occurring events.
Standard Capital acquired Laemmle's shares in 1936. Universal Studios changed hands several times until 1995, when Seagram Co. Ltd. acquired controlling interest and changed names to NBC Universal.
In 1915, Laemmle allowed guests on the set, which started the theme parks. The Hollywood theme park opened on July 15, 1964. Universal Studios theme parks are worldwide.
Walt Disney's first creation, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, was distributed by Universal. When Disney lost his rights to the Oswald character, he created his second character---Mickey Mouse.
In 1998, Cleanthi Peters claimed to have suffered extreme fear, mental anguish and emotional distress after visiting Halloween Horror Nights. She sued Universal Studios for $15,000 dollars.