Apple To Sue Over Incredible Likeness Of Steve
Apple claims ownership of the rights to Jobs’ likeness and will sue to protect it
Apple has threatened to sue Chinese toy makers over a new action figure of the late Steve Jobs.
The 12 inch doll, dubbed iCEO, was set to go on sale in February but the computing giant has put the brakes on its launch by threatening legal action to stop toy makers from trading.
Mini me
According to a Telegraph report, Apple stipulates in a letter to Chinese manufacturer, In Icons, that any toy that resembles its “logo, person’s name, appearance or likeness of its products is a criminal offence”.
The 1/6 likeness of the iconic CEO, already on sale on eBay’s website, includes his trademark blue jeans and turtle neck, various pairs of interchangeable hands, a bar stool and “One more thing” back drop.
This is not the first time a toy maker has tried to cash in on Jobs, according to the report. In 2010 MiC Gadget attempted to release its own Jobs action figure, but was stopped by Apple.
In an AFP report, DiD Corp, responsible for producing and distributing the figures, claims that it is not trying to smear Jobs’ name and did not include any Apple products.
A spokesperson told AFP that it is making the figures for Apple fans who really admire Steve Jobs and feel pity over his death”, adding that its aim is not to make a toy, but a collectible.
Steve Jobs died in October 2011 after losing a long battle with cancer.
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