The History of Albert Einstein Bobbleheads

A drooping mustache, frazzled hair and hangdog jowls are what most people associate with Albert Einstein. These features, along with the renowned Einstein eyebrows and caterpillar moustache, made the physicist an icon — a figure whose looks as much as his brain contributed to his lasting fame. He was a man who seemed to be occupied with higher questions and couldn’t spare the time for, say, a comb.

During his lifetime, Einstein fought attempts to use his name and likeness for marketing purposes. He barred even seemingly harmonious associations, such as Brandeis University’s proposal to use his image on a physics textbook cover. In his later years, however, he became more willing to license his likeness and allow products bearing his image.

As the 20th century progressed, many more Einstein-related merchandise came to market, from T-shirts and coffee beans to toys and Christmas ornaments. Some of it was blatantly offensive. A cartoon depicted him urinating on the moon, for example, which caused a backlash against the cartoonist and publisher. The physicist’s image also appeared on a t-shirt designed to encourage women to pursue careers in science and math.

At the same time, Einstein’s university started to exercise a tight grip on licensing requests. It demanded a rigorous vetting process and set high fees for using its intellectual property. Those who did not follow the rules could find themselves in legal trouble. The university argued that it was entitled to exclusive rights to the scientist’s name, image and silhouette. It even trademarked the shape of his head and torso.

The university’s tactics earned it a reputation as “the new grave robbers,” as one writer put it. A law professor called the university’s agents “the new tribal headhunters.” Manufacturers of Einstein-themed Halloween costumes, baby bottles and even cars have found themselves in court with the Hebrew University for using its trademarked version of the scientist’s face.

Despite his reluctance to allow commercial uses of his image, Einstein became one of the most famous public figures of his time. He was portrayed by actors in films such as Mr. Peabody & Sherman, Holmes & Watson and Dexter’s Laboratory. He was also voiced by Eugene Levy in the 2014 film Night at the Museum 3. The Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps’ 2013 show titled E=MC2 was inspired by Einstein’s famous equation.