The company that advertised an incredibly lifelike Steve Jobs doll for sale earlier this year has decided not to produce the figure after pressure from his family and the company he co-founded, Apple (AAPL).
In Icons, the company that planned to offer the 1-foot-tall, lifelike figure dressed in Jobs’ trademark black mock turtleneck, rimless glasses and jeans, posted a statement on its website Sunday.
“Though we still believe that we have not overstepped any legal boundaries, we have decided to completely stop the offer, production and sale of the Steve Jobs figurine out of our heartfelt sensitivity to the feelings of the Jobs family.”
Since the company began advertising the doll on its website Jan. 3, there have been rumors of behind-the-scenes legal wrangling by Apple to prevent the doll from coming to market, as it did with a previous attempt at such a product. The statement alluded to pressure from Apple lawyers, saying, “We have received immense pressure from the lawyers of Apple and Steve Jobs’ family.”
Jobs, the legendary Apple co-founder, died Oct. 5 of complications from pancreatic cancer. The figure, which was expected to sell for $99, was an uncomfortably realistic rendition of the former Apple CEO, right down to the pores on Jobs’ forehead, the wrinkles under his eyes and the veins on his hands.
The company had expected to start shipping the product worldwide in February. The statement said any money received for pre-orders will be returned.
Staff writer Patrick May contributed to this report. Contact Jeremy C. Owens at 408-920-5876; follow him at Twitter.com/mercbizbreak.
