Steve Jobs immortalized but is it an IP infringement ?

Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, was a truly inspirational and creative force who is likely to be admired and remembered for many years to come. For many, he is and always will be synonymous with Apple, but is he part of the Apple brand ?

This is a fascinating issue – it appears that a Chinese manufacturer is mass producing a Steve jobs doll and Apple are threatening to sue, but do they have the right or would such a right only be available to Steve job’s executors of his estate ?

Clearly, there may be a significant amount at stake, with Steve Jobs’ popularity and publicity of the issue may just make the dolls more desirable in the short term, as possible collector’s items. This is borne out by the fact that the Chinese company were apparently planning to sell the dolls for a whopping $99.00 but some are provisionally being touted on eBay for well over $100.00.

Any views on the legal or ethical position ?