Well, this is different. It never ceases to amaze me the weird crap companies — mostly in third world countries — create for us sophisticated Westerners. And we buy it.

Here’s one company that sells it.

Philip Morris Incensed Over “Smoking Baby”

Philip Morris is threatening legal action over the sale of a “Smoking Baby” doll–but not because the tobacco giant is offended by the thought of an infant lighting up, but rather because the diapered cigarette enthusiast appears to be enjoying a trademarked Marlboro. In an April 7 letter to Toy Lounge, an online retailer, Philip Morris attorneys contend that the $5.95 ceramic doll comes equipped with a pack of cigarettes bearing a “logo confusingly similar” to Marlboro’s “roof design,” which is further described as “a pentagonal figure with a horizontal top and two vertical sides with two upwardly and inwardly sloping diagonals.” The design of the package of toy cigarettes–which are actually unscented incense–is intended to “evoke an unsavory association with Philip Morris,” alleges the letter.

Commendably, Philip Morris has never been shown to market its products to newborns. However, the company has previously tracked Marlboro’s “market penetration” with smokers as young as 15, since the teenage years are when crucial “initial brand selections” are made, according to one internal company memo.



  1. david says:

    “…is intended to “evoke an unsavory association with Philip Morris,” alleges the letter.”

    Philip Morris has intended to evoke a *savory* association with their cigarettes…

    Blowback. It happens all the time.

  2. SN says:

    I think the doll is rather lame. I’d have a whole series of similar babies. E.g., the crack smoking baby. The heroin baby, complete with rubber hose and hypodermic needle. The baby who likes stuff up its ass. God, the offensive possibilities are endless.

  3. Robie says:

    Hey Dvorak,

    Why have you not linked to your video podcast where you are smoking cigars?

    I saw it over on digg.

    I love your stuff.

    Robie

  4. axe says:

    Puff Baby would be a better name. It gives it that Hip-Hop sound.


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