Toy Jobs runs into legal tussle

Answering the prayers of all those who refuse to believe that the messiah of the technological world – Steve Jobs - is gone, never to return, an amazingly realistic doll of the man himself has been produced, but has immediately run into a storm of controversy, much like the real-life version was wont to do.

Manufactured by the Chinese toy maker, In Icon, the 12-inch doll has an uncanny, somewhat unsettling, likeness to the late Apple supremo.

Presumably, In Icon has done its research and is confident that there is indeed a market for Steve Jobs dolls out there – perhaps enthusiasts at the upper end of the weird spectrum who would purchase such an item and do heaven knows what with.

Apple, however, are not so keen. The technological titans have threatened to sue In Icon if they do not halt sales of the $99 doll, claiming that they alone own the rights to its co-founder’s likeness - blue jeans, black turtleneck, white trainers and all.  

In strong arm style, worthy of Jobs himself, Apple has apparently sent a strongly worded letter to In Icon warning that “any toy that resembles the technology company’s logo, person’s name, appearance or likeness of its products is a criminal offence.”

Defending, In Icon boss Tandy Cheung, blasted: “Steve Jobs is not an actor, he’s just a celebrity… There is no copyright protection for a normal person. Steve Jobs is not a product… so I don’t think Apple has the copyright of him.”

Leaving aside the obvious question as to why anyone would want a Steve Jobs figure, the world will no doubt be waiting anxiously to see who wins this titanic tussle.

If you can’t wait, apparently the doll is available on eBay at a not unreasonable $135, if you like that sort of thing that is.