Apple Threatens Legal Action Over Upcoming Steve Jobs Figurine

jobs figurine 1
The Telegraph reports that Apple has threatened legal action against Hong Kong company In Icons, which has been taking pre-orders for a realistic-looking Steve Jobs figurine set to launch next month. The 12-inch figurine, which is being sold for $99.99 plus shipping, is a posable, highly-detailed reproduction of Jobs' likeness wearing his signature black mock turtleneck, blue jeans, and New Balance sneakers.

The legal wrangle is over the likeness of the doll to the late Apple founder, the rights of which the company claims it owns.

Apple reportedly stipulates in a letter to the Chinese manufacturer that any toy that resembles the technology company's logo, person's name, appearance or likeness of its products is a criminal offense.

jobs figurine 2
Personality rights in the United States are addressed on a state-by-state basis, with California's laws covering unauthorized usage of a person's likeness, voice, or signature throughout their lifetime and for a period of 70 years following their death.

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Top Rated Comments

Macman45 Avatar
174 months ago
I'm no lawyer. But I can't see how Apple can claim to "Own" the likeness of it's sadly deceased founder. Tasteless? for sure, but if people buy it, then I guess that's life.

Personally, I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole....Kind of creepy.
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
srxtr Avatar
174 months ago
Wow from the corner of my eye I thought I was looking at the front cover of the bio.

Looks amazing, but too creepy to buy.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nick_elt Avatar
174 months ago
Hes holding the phone wrong!
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WannaGoMac Avatar
174 months ago
Actually who does own his image rights? Actors have control over use of their names and image, so wouldn't Steve Jobs estate own his?
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
arkitect Avatar
174 months ago
Not as ridiculous as spelling the word "rediculous". Any company that doesn't aggressively attempt to protect its IP risks losing it.

And in this case those IP rights would be… which ones exactly?
:confused:
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
xnu Avatar
174 months ago
Huh

It is a pretty good doll, I mean as far as the likeness....
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)