Did The Gerber Baby Get Royalties? The Surprising Truth

In 1951, Cook reached a settlement with Gerber for several thousand dollars. She did not receive any further royalties for the use of her image.

While the initial payment might seem substantial, it’s important to remember that this was a one-time agreement, and the iconic Gerber Baby image has been used extensively in marketing and advertising for decades. The use of the image has generated a significant amount of revenue for Gerber, and the ongoing use of the image without ongoing royalties has led to some questioning the fairness of the arrangement.

The fact that Cook received no further royalties likely stems from the era in which the agreement was made. In the early 1950s, the concept of ongoing royalties for the use of an image was not as commonplace as it is today. Furthermore, the agreement likely reflected the prevailing norms of the time regarding the use of children’s images in advertising.

It’s worth noting that Cook’s situation highlights the evolving landscape of image rights and the importance of carefully considering the terms of any agreement involving the use of one’s likeness. While the use of Cook’s image has undeniably benefited Gerber, the absence of ongoing royalties raises questions about the equitable distribution of profits generated by the iconic image.