Albert Einstein in US District Court in San Francisco
Computer game publisher Electronic Arts would dearly like to use Einstein in a new title. Trouble is, Einstein's image is controlled by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. EA doesn't want to pay; Einstein is a public figure, a historical figure. The University doesn't want to see Einstein in this particular game.
NY Times article (free registration required)
Comments
I don't see how anyone can prevent Einstein's image from being used. On the other hand, I suppose they could drum up unpleasant publicity.
Posted by: steve | March 22, 2002 02:09 PM
I think it was the prospect of having him pictured next to Hitler, whatever the in-game reason.
Posted by: Songdog | March 25, 2002 04:10 PM
Lord God, EA is going to spend 800 million dollars this year developing games. They can't pay for the rights to use Einstein's image? What bastards.
Posted by: Frank Lee | September 17, 2005 04:19 AM
For what it's worth, this was 2002 news, and EA wasn't [quite] as monolithic. But still, you've got a point.
Posted by: Songdog | September 17, 2005 09:24 AM