I suppose if a company made dolls in the likeness of my daughter or sons , I’d be flattered first, and then indignant if they didn’t ask for or get permission.

Can’t say I blame Michelle Obama for telling off Ty Company – maker of Beanie Babies, for introducing two new Ty Girlz Dolls named “Sweet Sasha” and “Marvelous Malia”

What bothers me more is Ty’s statement in response to CNN’s questions last January:

“Information concerning the development of our products and how we come up with names, how we select them, how we trademark — that’s considered as proprietary,”

and

The dolls follow “the exact patterns” used for the other Ty Girlz dolls, “so we did not make the dolls to physically resemble either of the Obama girls.”

Fess up Ty. Even better, ask permission. You’d probably get a Yes from most parents. But prepare to face some fury if you try to profit without permission.

Well, the fury seemed to have worked.

Ty announced, just a month after release that the dolls shall henceforth be called “Marvelous Mariah” and “Sweet Sydney.” And profits from the sale of the two $10 dolls are also being donated to charity.

Nice recovery Ty, but it still leaves a slightly bitter taste. Let’s chalk this one up to miscommunication and look for better behavior. We’d do that for our kids – eh?