When Albert Einstein was employed at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, his princely salary of $10.000.00 a year made him the highest-paid scientist in the United States and perhaps the world.  However, what he made while alive pales compared to what he has made since he died in 1955. 

In Einstein’s will, he left all his manuscripts, copyrights, publication rights, royalties … and all other literary property to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which he co-founded in 1918. 

And while that doesn’t sound like much, the University has turned it into a money-making machine. 

Even though Einstein didn’t specifically mention the use of his name or likeness in books, products, or advertisements, those are now called publicity rights, and the University insists they own all of those rights today.

And so, if you want to use the name or image of Albert Einstein in any way, legally, you must seek permission and be prepared to pay for that use. Those licensing rights now provide the University with over 12.5 million dollars annually.

It is doubtful that your image or name will be worth millions when you pass, but you will determine what your memory will be worth by the choices you make today.

Have a great week, and remember: To see what is really possible, you will have to attempt the impossible.