Lawsuit Over Carl Sagan’s “Iconic” Saying Evokes Right of Publicity Issues That Are Becoming Common Amid AI Boom

A recent lawsuit claims that an “iconic” saying about the universe and apple pie is as strongly linked with astronomer Carl Sagan as the act of turning letters in a gown is with Wheel of Fortune co-host Vanna White.

5 minute read November 01, 2026 at 12:13 AM

Lynn Oberlander and Saumya Vaishampayan

A recent lawsuit claims that an “iconic” saying about the universe and apple pie is as strongly linked with astronomer Carl Sagan as the act of turning letters in a gown is with Wheel of Fortune co-host Vanna White.

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