10 Mind-Blowing Facts About Che Guevara

2. The Photographer Has Earned Nothing From Che's Image

'Guerrillero Heroico' - heroic guerrilla fighter. This was the name given to Che's iconic photograph, captured by photographer Alberto Korda at a Havana, Cuba, on March 5 1960 at a memorial service for the victims of the La Coubre explosion. Korda is reported to have felt compelled to capture Che's image, noting the nature of his expression - one of pain, anger and the will to fight, and the "absolute implacability" of his face.

Although the image of Che has been transported to various realms of popular culture and merchandise, such as flags, badges, iconography and clothing, Korda has receive no royalties as a result. Nor has he ever demanded recognition of any description. The only known occasion when Korda has asserted his rights over Che's image was when vodka giants Smirnoff sought to use Che's image in an advert. Korda successfully sued Smirnoff for breach of copyright. Yet, Korda would soon donate the proceeds of the lawsuit to the Cuban healthcare system - a key aspect of Che's legacy - again, reaffirming his desire to avoid economic benefit from the image. Korda was said to have been 'honouring' Che's legacy and ideals in pursuing the lawsuit, noting how Che would have "disapproved" of Smirnoff's association.

Although, one must wonder how Che would react today - a man of anti-consumerist, anti-capitalist ideals watching his image mass-produced and multi-formatted for retail consumption across the world, with an association for capricious, half-baked socialist ideals. Not sure Che would approve.