“After a law firm representing Apple blocked the producer of a lifelike action figure of Apple CEO Steve Jobs from selling it, the figure has apparently sold for $2,500 on eBay,” AppleInsider reports.
“MIC Gadget began selling the figurines, which feature the charismatic CEO in his trademark black mock turtleneck, blue jeans and New Balance trainers holding an iPhone, in November, quickly selling out of the initial run of 300 limited edition figures,” AppleInsider reports. “Within days, Apple learned of the figurine and sent a cease-and-desist email to the website, citing California Civil Code Section 3344, ‘which prohibits the use of any person’s name, photograph or likeness in a product without that person’s prior consent.'”
AppleInsider reports, “Some of the figures have now made their way to eBay, where several listings have already closed for $2,500.”
Full article, in which AppleInsider explains why the auctions are highly suspect, here.
As pathetic as it might seem, I would find it very cool if someone made a figurine of me! Lucky Steve.
Bet Woz owns them all.
Here’s an alternative:
What I don’t get is why Apple’s attorneys sent the C&D letter. Apple doesn’t have a claim to Jobs’ likeness, only Steve does.
It should have been Steve’s personal attorney that sent the letter not Apple.
Then again I think they are dbags for doing it anyway.
I think the doll is really cool. Apple needs to lighten up. Apples image is already tarnished, so what’s the big deal?
@Macromancer:
Jobs is the person who owns and is in control of his likeness. He has created this persona, and the figurine maker is seeking to profit from Jobs. He absolutely has a right to force them to stop. If he wanted, Jobs could even file suit to recover all of the profits and pursue damages against the maker. Notice he hasn’t done that; he just wanted the sales to stop.
California Civil Code Section 3344 makes everyone tremble.
Where is California?
This needs to be complemented by a similar-sized figurine of Ballmer, pants down, bent over, and grimacing. The 2 would go well together.
Crazy law and, probably, exclusive to California in the world. Unenforceable, anyway. What California needs is a “The law is an ass” defence.
Such a law, in theory, prevents any video at a sporting event, or news footage out on any street, for fear that some person will wander into frame and be seen on air.
Name too? WTF? How can any newspaper report on Apple without mentioning Jobs by name?
IP law is confused enough without various centers-of-power issuing their own unique rules in a spirit of uncooperation, hubris and stupidity. The United Nations WIPO treaty is all anyone should need.
The public, however, often has a false understanding and many people around the world believe, falsely, that such a law applies elsewhere. Because I have a professional interest in IP law in general and copyright law in particular, I well remember an incident of many years ago now. Princess Diana exited a gymnasium and some lucky paparazzo took pictures. Her ignorant muscleman attacked the photographer and destroyed his camera. Substantial damages were awarded against her.
I don’t believe this should be allowed without the permission of Steve Jobs, but damn I sure would love to have one. The man is a freaking American hero. Hell, we should be building ginormous statues of the guy; worship and burnt offerings optional.
Finally! I can now finish my Nativity Scene. Bwahaha!
“Thou shalt call him Emanuel” sayeth the angel of the lord.
“Oh I dunno ’bout that”, speaketh Joseph, “How ’bout we call him Jesus instead.”
“What part of call him Emanuel did you NOT understand!” barked the angel in disbelief.
“Um, I kinda like .. Steve.” uttered Mary.
“Doh! I am sooo outta here!!” lamented the angel as he left.
And so it was. Steve was born to fight the Gates of hell.
If people are paying $2500 for a plastic doll of Steve then apple should stop both the production of the iPhone and the iPad and make little Isteves , there going to fly off the shelves
Although Steve has every right to prevent other people from illegally making money off of his likeness, I have to admit, from the photos it looks like they did a quality job on the dolls. – I want one.
Let’s see, where did I put that $2,500?
As far as the $2,500 sale, that’s a PR fabrication if I ever saw one.
While everyone is looking and bidding on the plastic Steve, I will hold my hand made, Artist original piece of the same thing!
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http://yfrog.com/h8ymbhj
Even criminal elements refuse to make a Ballmer-the-loser action figure, you can imagine how irrelevant MSFT or Ballmer-the-loser has become… that’s really sad
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