For more than three decades, national and international media have called on me as an authority on brand licensing, rights of publicity, and the business of iconic brands - from 60 Minutes and The New York Times to Forbes, The Guardian, and the licensing trade press.
Media Coverage
60 Minutes (CBS) | 2009
"How Celebs Make A Living After Death"
Steve Kroft's report on the business of licensing legendary icons, featuring my work representing Albert Einstein, Steve McQueen, Maria Callas, and Mae West.
Watch/read: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-celebs-make-a-living-after-death-25-09-2009/
Forbes | 2017
"The Branding of Dead Celebrities"
Extensive expert commentary on how estates and brands license legendary icons, from advertising rights to product licensing.
Read: https://www.forbes.com/sites/steveolenski/2017/06/12/the-branding-of-dead-celebrities/
Forbes | 2011
"The Top-Earning Dead Celebrities"
Featured in the annual special report for representing estates including Mahatma Gandhi and Sir Edmund Hillary.
Read: https://www.forbes.com/special-report/2011/dead-celebs-11_land.html
The Guardian | 2008
"Wanted Dead or Alive"
On managing the Albert Einstein estate and the rigorous vetting behind icon licensing.
Read: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2008/oct/11/elvis-monroe-warhol-einstein
Observer | 2024
"The Met's Licensing Strategy: A Q&A With Beanstalk's Martin Cribbs"
In-depth interview on transforming The Metropolitan Museum of Art into a global lifestyle brand, from luxury furniture to PacSun.
Read: https://observer.com/2024/01/met-licensing-strategy-beanstalks-martin-cribbs/
The Art Newspaper | 2002
"The Andy Warhol Foundation Joins Up With Leading Licensing Agency"
On the Warhol Foundation's landmark move into global brand licensing, a program I led as Director of Licensing.
Discover Magazine | 2008
"Einstein Inc."
On the Einstein estate's licensing program and why 99 percent of inbound requests are declined.
Read: https://www.discovermagazine.com/in-death-einstein-makes-more-money-than-john-lennon-28295
The Independent | 2007
"Making Money Is Art... and Good Business Is the Best Art"
On the strategy behind Warhol brand licensing, including the landmark Uniqlo partnership.
Los Angeles Times | 2007
Coverage of the Steve McQueen estate's commercial resurgence, quoted on McQueen's brand appeal and demand from luxury partners.
Retail Brew | 2024
"Inside The Met's Expanding Retail Licensing Program"
On the strategy behind The Met's retail expansion, from $10 socks to a $144,200 table.
Read: https://www.retailbrew.com/stories/2024/01/16/inside-the-met-s-expanding-retail-licensing-program
IPWatchdog | 2016
"How Do Estates Monetize Images and Intellectual Property of Dead Celebrities?"
Legal industry analysis quoting me on legacy stewardship and structuring multi-territory publicity rights.
Read: https://ipwatchdog.com/2016/08/10/estates-monetize-intellectual-property-dead-celebrities/
License Global | 2016
"Beanstalk Forms Legends Division"
Announcement of the Icon Representation division I founded and led at Beanstalk (Omnicom).
Read: https://www.licenseglobal.com/licensing-resources/beanstalk-forms-legends-division
License Global | 2023
"The Met Licensing Program to Expand Into the Middle East"
Coverage of the Middle East and North Africa expansion I directed for The Met.
Read: https://www.licenseglobal.com/art-design/the-met-licensing-program-to-expand-into-the-middle-east
Writing & Commentary
I write regularly on licensing strategy, rights of publicity, and icon brands. My thought leadership series at Beanstalk profiled the branding of legendary figures from Farrah Fawcett to Harvey Milk, and I've contributed commentary to WWD on the power of licensing icons. I post short-form commentary on the licensing business regularly on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/martincribbs
Speaking & Expert Witness
I speak frequently on brand licensing and IP strategy, including panels at Cannes Lions, Licensing Expo, and Licensing International.
I also serve as an expert witness in intellectual property, trademark and copyright infringement, and licensing litigation. Attorneys and press can reach me through the contact page.