I have been collecting the Pillsbury Doughboy advertising character for over 17 years.  Of late, a few counterfeit items have surfaced on eBay.  I am not referring to handcrafted items but blatant counterfeit items selling for way too much to bidders not knowing the truth behind the item. 

First and foremost, the Pillsbury Doughboy is a copyrighted advertising character.  All legitimate Pillsbury Doughboy items will bear a copyright/trademark registration and usually a date. 

For the record, Pillsbury never authorized any ramp walkers of wind up toys of the Pillsbury Doughboy Poppin' Fresh or Poppie Fresh, his girlfriend.  These items are counterfeit.  I have seen this pair of walkers selling for $100--and the item is counterfeit!  One set also sold in June 2008 for $56. 

Additionally, Pillsbury never authorized, licensed or distributed any ramp walker of the Pillsbury Uncle figure.  One sold for $177.  He always has been a finger puppet and never a ramp walker. 

Unfortunately, these two figures have been sold on eBay of late and probably to unsuspecting bidders for $100 and $177, respectively.  I emailed one seller more than 48 hours prior to auction end and asked if there was a copyright on the figure.  Seller never answered and I never bid.  If you don't get an answer, don't bid!  The item will come around again.  Just be patient. 

Finally, the Doughboy Push Puppet being auctioned on eBay is NOT an authentic Pillsbury Doughboy item.  It does not say Pillsbury, has no copyright or trademark.  It is always auctioned as the Pillsbury Doughboy.  It is not, never has been and never will be an authentic Pillsbury Doughboy item.  It is labeled Doughboy but not Pillsbury and is made in China.  Pillsbury never uses Doughboy without Pillsbury on the copyright/trademark.  If you are a collector, make sure you know the authenticity of the item.  Don't bid if the seller won't answer questions or does not disclose copyright information. 

If you are a seller, be honest in your listings and descriptions.  Give measurements, copyright, trademark, licensing, etc., information.  Don't auction bootleg items.  It will come back and bite you in the butt!  I make a vigilant practice of reporting auctions of counterfeit Pillsbury Doughboy items or keyword spamming.  Should I inadvertently makes these errors, I expect to be reported.  Please feel free to do so.  I welcome the opportunity to learn something I didn't know.