Did The Gerber Baby Get Royalties? The Shocking Truth

In 1951, Cook reached a settlement with Gerber for several thousand dollars. She did not receive royalties for her likeness beyond that initial payment.

While the agreement provided a one-time sum, it didn’t include any ongoing compensation for the continued use of Ann’s image. The Gerber baby, with its iconic charm, has remained a symbol of the brand for over 90 years. The image has graced countless packaging, marketing materials, and merchandise, contributing significantly to Gerber’s success. Despite this, Ann Cook, the baby in the iconic image, didn’t benefit financially from the long-term popularity of the Gerber baby.

It’s worth noting that the agreement struck in 1951 was likely a reflection of the practices and norms prevalent at that time. The concept of ongoing royalties for image rights wasn’t as established then as it is today.

The case of Ann Cook highlights how the landscape of intellectual property and image rights has evolved over time. While she didn’t receive ongoing royalties for the Gerber baby, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of considering the potential long-term implications of such agreements, especially when involving children.