Friday, January 6, 2012

Report: Apple Goes After Latest Steve Jobs Action Figure


steve jobs action figureNot surprisingly, Apple is allegedly putting a stop to thelatest Steve Jobs action figure. According to theTelegraph, Apple sent a cease-and-desist letter to Chinese company In Icons, threatening legal action if it does not stop selling the toy.

Apple says it owns rights to Jobs's likeness, and its letter reportedly states that it's a criminal offense for any toy to feature Apple's trademarks, logo, or products, as well as the appearance or name of its late co-founder.
Apple did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.
About a year ago, Apple shut down another Steve Jobs action figure made by Chinese company M.I.C. Gadget. The detailed, $79 figurine featured Jobs in his signature jeans, black turtleneck, and sneakers holding an iPhone 4. Buyers also received "speech bubbles," where they could write in signature Jobs-esque phrases.
Apple told M.I.C. Gadget that the action figure was a violation of its copyrights and trademarks, and it seems In Icons is guilty of the same transgression.
In Icon's 12-inch moveable doll bears such a striking resemblance to Jobs that it's a little creepy. At 12 inches tall, it's clad in the typical Jobs uniform of jeans, a black turtleneck, black leather belt, a pair of wire frame glasses, black socks, and sneakers.
Mini Steve also comes with some accessories including a chair, two apples (one with a bite out of it), and a "one more thing" backdrop.
Set to ship in February, In Icons' Steve Jobs action figure is priced at $99, but the company has stopped taking pre-orders. The toy is already selling on eBay for $225.
Jobs passed away on Oct. 5. For more, see PCMag's look back at his life, as well as our Apple year in review.

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