Our Story

About CMG Worldwide

CMG began with a groundbreaking mission: to help our clients bridge the gap between life and legacy.

Our first clients – James Dean, Elvis Presley, and Marilyn Monroe – changed the world. In life, their work earned them fame, fortune, and recognition. But in death, their legacies, families, and friends found only exploitation and neglect. A half century ago, our Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Mark Roesler, sought to change that. With Roesler at the helm, CMG pioneered the legal and creative strategies that allowed loved ones to reclaim control of the narrative, not only protecting a legacy, but ensuring its reach and impact grew for generations to come.

In the decades since, CMG has represented over 1500 iconic personalities, and grown into a globally-recognized full-service intellectual property management agency specialized in estate protection and brand development. In our pursuit to immortalize our clients, we’ve built relationships across industries, conceptualizing and executing over 30,000 partnerships with major retailers, manufacturers, production and recording studios, ad agencies, governmental agencies, financial institutions, and more.

Today, AI and synthetic media pose an unprecedented threat, but we’re not idle. We are innovating our technological strategy with our subsidiary Worldwide XR and its CEO Travis Cloyd, reinventing our infringement identification and pursuit process through strategic partnerships, and advocating for enforceable legislation around the world.

At CMG Worldwide, we’re not just preserving legacies; we’re shaping the future of fame, ensuring that our clients’ stories inspire for generations to come.

History

1981

Mark Roesler, founding CMG Worldwide, began safeguarding Norman Rockwell’s artwork through Curtis Publishing, highlighting the need for legal protection of deceased celebrities’ legacies.

1982

In a meteoric rise CMG Worldwide, under the leadership of Mark Roesler, began representing the estates of cultural icons Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean, quickly establishing itself as a powerhouse in celebrity legacy management and setting a new standard for posthumous rights and representation.

1988

Roesler secured rights for retired MLB players to use their team uniforms in endorsements, challenging Major League Baseball and setting a precedent for athletes' rights.

1992

In a landmark case against Warner Bros. over James Dean's merchandising rights, Roesler affirmed that the Dean family retained control, influencing future celebrity estate management.

1993

A legal victory against director Spike Lee confirmed Betty Shabazz's rights to the "X" symbol associated with Malcolm X, underscoring the importance of personal rights over commercial use.

1994

Roesler spearheaded Indiana’s Right of Publicity Statute, providing unprecedented protection for celebrities' likenesses for 100 years and inspiring similar laws nationwide.

2000

CMG Worldwide expanded its footprint with a new office in Los Angeles, California, broadening its reach in entertainment and celebrity rights management.

2010

The Michael Jackson Estate engaged CMG Worldwide for a valuation of Jackson's IP, challenging the IRS's $435 million estimate. This decade-long case, dubbed "The Tax Trial of the Century," affirmed CMG’s expertise in celebrity IP valuation.

2015

Mark Roesler and Travis Cloyd founded Worldwide XR, pioneering in AR/XR content and experiential activations, utilizing CMG's vast client IP to produce innovative content for major brands and events.

2016

CMG honored to manage Maya Angelou's legacy, amplifying her voice that championed black womanhood, freedom, and dignity through her timeless works.

2017

Expanding into Nashville's vibrant music scene, CMG Music amplifies the legacies of icons like Jerry Garcia and Maya Angelou, showcasing their contributions to music and culture.

2018

Launching CMG Speaks, CMG ventured into public speaker representation, offering platforms for voices that continue the legacies of the world's most influential figures.

2021

The US Tax Court's ruling in favor of CMG’s valuation of Michael Jackson's estate over the IRS's assessment marks a significant victory for CMG, saving its client tens of millions of dollars and reaffirming its leadership in celebrity IP valuation.

2022

CMG proudly represents Harvey Milk, celebrating his trailblazing advocacy and enduring legacy in the LGBTQ+ movement as California's first openly gay elected official.

2024

CMG welcomes Albert Einstein, whose revolutionary insights into the universe, coupled with a humble and playful demeanor, cemented his status as one of the most famous, influential, and universally-admired humans to have ever lived.

Philanthropy

Empowering Communities, Honoring Legacies

At CMG Worldwide, our commitment to making a difference goes beyond business. We actively support communities and renowned charitable organizations worldwide, proudly sponsoring numerous fundraisers and non-profit initiatives. Through monetary contributions and memorabilia donations, we strive to create a lasting impact.

We welcome charitable contribution requests throughout the year. To be considered, please complete our Charitable Donation Inquiry form.

CMG Worldwide is honored to collaborate with distinguished charities, including:

ALS Association
Bob Feller Museum
The Mark Twain Association of New York, Inc.
Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum

Together, we preserve legacies and uplift communities.

Mark Roesler

For over four decades, CMG Worldwide Founder & Chairman Mark Roesler has been at the forefront of intellectual property rights, representing over 1,500+ of the world’s most iconic personalities. Under his leadership, CMG has become a dominant force in the ever-evolving IP landscape. Mark’s expertise extends beyond marketing and management; he is a renowned expert in IP litigation, valuation, and consulting. To learn more about his groundbreaking work, featured appearances, including on 60 Minutes, and his extensive services, visit MarkRoesler.com.