The Audio Long Read From the archive: Who owns Einstein? The battle for the world’s most famous face
Oct 22, 2025
Delve into the fascinating saga of Albert Einstein's posthumous image rights. A California lawyer transformed his likeness into a lucrative asset, raising questions about commercialization versus legacy. Explore legal battles over Einstein's image, including lawsuits against corporations and debates within the Hebrew University. Discover how his iconic photo with a tongue out shaped public perception and why Einstein continues to resonate across cultures. Would he approve of the way his image is used today? Tune in for intriguing insights on fame and ownership.
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Museum Removed Einstein Image
- Simon Parkin learned the story when a Science Museum creator was advised to remove Einstein from publicity due to litigious rights holders.
- That small remark led him to investigate who owns Einstein and why they're aggressive about enforcement.
Estate Claims Expanded Beyond The Will
- The Hebrew University claims Einstein's manuscripts and literary property, but his will made no mention of publicity rights like name or likeness.
- Despite this, the university has earned an estimated $250 million by licensing Einstein's image.
U.S. Post‑Mortem Rights Are Patchy
- U.S. post-mortem publicity law is inconsistent: only 24 states have statutes and durations vary widely.
- New Jersey, where Einstein died, has no statutory limit, making rights potentially perpetual there.
