If you were hoping to get your hands on one of the few Steve Jobs action figures to make it out of China, you’re too late. After Apple successfully stopped manufacturer M.I.C. Gadget from selling the dolls, a few were smuggled out and made it onto eBay, where they were going for $2,500. But Apple has blocked further sales, citing a California law that requires merchants to get an individual’s permission before selling products based on their likeness.

According to Fortune Tech, the eBay sellers seemed well aware that they wouldn’t have much time to peddle the Steves:

As you might recall, lawyers representing Apple ordered M.I.C Gadget, a Chinese specialty manufacturer, to stop selling its $99 SJ Action Figure late last month. According to Apple’s warning letter, the figurine violated a California statute that prohibits use of a person’s likeness in a product without prior consent.

Two weeks later, the toys starting appearing — an apparently selling — on eBay at a Buy It Now price of $2,500. …

he last auction, posted Tuesday, tried to cash in on the controversy:

“APPLE HAD ALL STEVE JOBS ACTION FIGURE AUCTIONS REMOVED!” read the description. “BUY IT NOW SO YOU CAN GET ONE! HURRY! NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS AUCTION WILL RUN A FULL DAY!”

The action figure came with its own iPhone, and sported Jobs’ trademark black shirt, jeans and New Balance sneakers. It even included stick-on word balloons that buyers could customize with their favorite Steve-ism (our favorite: “There is no antennagate.”). The word balloons are still available from M.I.C. But, for now at least, if you want to add Steve to your collection, your best bet may be to make your own at home.

Apple re-kills Steve Jobs doll [Fortune Tech]
Phenomenal SJ Figure Hands-on [M.I.C. Gadget]
DIY Steve Jobs Paper Doll: Hip to Be Square [Cult of Mac]

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