It sure pays off to be dead! Posthumous merchandise is big business. Back in October 2007, Forbes published their annual “Top-Earning Dead Celebrities” with this year’s list of celebs topping off at $232 million proving once again that marketers are making a killing off the dead.

Apparently, the universal Law of Attraction still applies to the dead. How do they do it? Million dollar empires are built upon products emblazoned with the iconic images of the famed dead. Slapping the name of the dearly departed on all things from mugs to tees is a big revenue generator; that is, assuming you have acquired the rights to said property.

Corbis, a creative resource for advertising, marketing and media professionals owned by Bill Gates, acquired a Beverly Hills firm back in 2005 that held the rights to the images of 50 notables, including Andy Warhol, Albert Einstein and Steve McQueen. Corbis offers their services to sell all sorts or merchandise including toys, racing gear and clothing. Another marketing empire, CMG Worldwide, international leader in intellectual property rights management, boasts a diverse and lucrative client roster including Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, Malcom X, Babe Ruth and Bettie Page.

In honor of our illustrious deceased, I dedicate the following:

Ironic Merchandise of the Dead

Elvis Presley ~ Elvis Pez Gift Set Don't Be Cruel, Eat a pez.

James Brown ~ Celebrity Rubber Duck Toy Because James Brown wanted to bathe with all of us in perpetuity.

Marie Antoinette ~ Head lollipop I have seen all, I have heard all, I have forgotten all. Lick my head.

Che Guevara ~ Wall Clock Viva el teimpo!

Rosa Parks ~ Cookie Jar “I shall not be moved,” except when you want to put chocolate chip cookies in my head.