Despite vowing that nothing would stop it from producing its 12-inch Steve Jobs action figure, the Chinese toy manufacturer In Icons has finally cancelled production after “immense pressure” from lawyers representing both Apple and Steve’s family.
In a statement posted to its website, In Icons stresses that it does not feel it “overstepped any legal boundaries,” but that production has been stopped as a mark of respect for Steve and his family:
I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the original intention for creating the figurine was driven by a fan’s admiration of Steve. We respect copyright and trade mark rights and therefore indicated on our site that we were not providing any Mac, iPhone and iPad models with the figurine. Further, we haven’t used any Apple related brands. Unfortunately we have received immense pressure from the lawyers of Apple and Steve Jobs family. Regardless of the pressure, I am still Steve’s fan, I fully respect Steve, and his family, and it is definitely not my wish or intention that they be upset. 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.
The incredibly realistic figure — which sported Steve’s trademark blue jeans, black turtleneck, and white sneakers — was set to sell for $99 from February, and included a number of accessories such as two pairs of glasses, three pairs of hands, and a “one more thing” backdrop for recreating Stevenotes.
One batch of the figure had already been shipped, with the toy popping up on eBay with price tags well above its retail price. Now that In Icons has given into Apple’s lawyers and ceased production, those prices could become even bigger.
Those who pre-ordered the figure will be given a full refund.
[via MacRumors]
