Crashing symbols

Last week’s ruling in the case of Apple Records versus Apple Computer was a reminder that the control of images is a matter of great concern--and big bucks--to those who own them (or would like to own them). Below, some examples of images in the news.

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Smiley Face

Before it symbolized low, low prices at Wal-Mart, the yellow smiley face was a countercultural icon claimed by many inventors. One of them is a Frenchman who claims to have invented “le smiley” after the Paris riots of 1968. He now runs a company, SmileyWorld, that licenses the image in 80 countries around the world and is currently challenging Wal-Mart’s bid to trademark the happy face in the U.S.

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Marilyn Monroe

Four photographers who created some of the best-known images of Marilyn Monroe made little in licensing fees. Meanwhile, Anna Strasberg, the wife of Monroe’s former acting coach, who inherited the majority interest of the right to publicize Monroe’s image, has made more than $30 million peddling the famous face to cosmetic companies, alcohol brands and novelty makers. Strasberg and the children of those photographers are currently involved in four separate lawsuits. (Oddly, the Anna Freud Centre, a psychiatric institute in London, also owns a substantial interest in Monroe’s image.)

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Apple

Whether the once-bitten rainbow apple or the halved Granny Smith, the logo is at the center of a decades-old legal dispute between Apple Computer, maker of the iPod, and Apple Corp., producer of Beatles records, over how and when the image may be used. Currently at issue is whether the computer company sells music -- for which it is not allowed to use the apple logo under an agreement between the companies -- or sells only technology, for which it may use the logo. Despite the court ruling last week in favor of Apple Computer, the fighting is likely to continue.

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Albert Einstein

No other scientist’s face rivals Albert Einstein’s for instant recognition. One reason is that Einstein’s image is marketed by the Roger Richman

Agency of Beverly Hills, which also owns the right to license the visage of Steve McQueen, among others.

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Elvis Presley

The Presley family maintained control over the rock ‘n’ roll star’s image -- licensing everything from products to impersonators, but not music -- until 2005, when entrepreneur Robert F.X. Sillerman bought an 85% stake in Elvis Presley Enterprises from Lisa Marie Presley, who retains 15%. Sillerman plans to expand the brand to create themed hotels, theaters and a Las Vegas show and museum.