Apple's lawyers are in a snit over a creepily lifelike $100 Steve Jobs doll a Chinese company introduced recently. Turns out, the rights to control the use of your likeness expire at death in some states, but not in others, so the doll will technically be legal in some places but not in others. In California, for instance, you stay in control until you're dead 70 years -- then you're fair game.
In any case, Apple should back off, and hope for big sales on the doll. Why?
It keeps their brand in mind. Think how many entrepreneurs might want Steve Jobs on their desk. Seeing the doll reminds people how much they love Apple products. It's a painless way to keep the company top of mind. It even comes with a couple of little toy apples. Hello, free brand reminder.
When you're a doll, you're iconic. Since his death, Jobs has become a symbol of great innovation and entrepreneurial vision. Why fight it?
Kids play with dolls. Here's a chance to hook the next generation of iPhone users early.
He's better than the Donald Trump doll. I mean, would you rather have your kid hearing, "Stay hungry. Stay foolish," and "Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition," or "You really think you're a good leader? I don't!" and "Have an ego"? I'd consider it a service to the next generation of young entrepreneurs if they could have an alternative business-leader role model.
The Carol Roth doll needs a playfriend. Entrepreneur Equation author Carol Roth's smart woman-entrepreneur doll could use a playmate -- you know, someone to pair up with for play-practicing those high-stakes pitch meetings with venture capitalists (maybe Ken and GI Joe could stand in for this role). Jobs would be perfect.
What do you think of the Steve Jobs doll? Leave a comment and let us know.
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Comments:
Annoying but on the other hand is motivation for the young entrepreneurs. He will be remember as a symbol of dignity in entrepreneurial history and be advertised among the next generation.
Very weird. Although I agree with the article, I still think it's an unfitting homage to a dead person.
Yes Brandi, Well said. I agree with you.
Carol! LOL! I know Carol Roth - your last point made me laugh out loud. What a GREAT idea. I still don't know how I feel about the Jobs doll, but thanks for the unexpected laugh. :)
I hope they make an accompanying Bill Gates figure (with kung fu grip), along with playsets of Microsoft and Apple headquarters (complete with cool vehicles!).
This is weird- especially when a chinese company creates this doll without the consent of Apple. It's curious how people become much more famous after they die.
Exactly! Perfect thing for the kids to play with when they visit the office.
creepy but inspirational ....
I would've mind having one of my favorite entrepreneurs and inspiration figures sitting on my desk!
It's definitely eerie how much it looks like him...which will only make it more of a conversation starter.
It's cool
I agree, having a doll makes Steve and Apple more iconic than it would be otherwise. Besides, I think it's pure and utter flattery, and in some places flattery will get you anywhere! It is also a type of word-of-mouth advertising, and advertising that you can't even if you pay for it.
I think some it comes from Apple doesn't want "hero worship", better said, "typecast" as "Steve equals Apple"... Steve is dead, Apple is dead... that sort of mind play... Personally, I don't think there is any worry... but instead of using his "death mask", a doll should be made of his "prime", the early to mid 80's... that would sell far better than Justin Bieber when you think about it:) SJ forever...
Great article Carol. It's almost creepy how really the doll looks. But I agree, even without Apple getting revenue from the sale of the dolls it is awesome for their brand.