Toy Maker MGA Entertainment Ordered to Pay $71.5 Million in Damages
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MGA Entertainment, the popular toy maker, was recently ordered to pay $71.5 million in damages for infringing on the name and likeness of teen pop group OMG Girlz with one of its doll lines. A federal jury made the decision, ruling in favor of OMG Girlz, Xscape singer Tameka “Tiny” Harris, and rapper Chris “T.I.” Harris after a yearslong legal battle with MGA.
The dispute stemmed from the similarity between MGA’s “L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G.” dolls and the all-female band OMG Girlz, including matching clothing styles. The jury found that some of the dolls infringed on OMG Girlz’s trade dress and misappropriated their name, likeness, and identity. As a result, the plaintiffs were awarded $17.9 million in real damages and $53.6 million in punitive damages.
OMG Girlz member Zonnique Pullins, daughter of Tiny and stepdaughter of T.I., along with her bandmates Bahja Rodriguez and Breaunna Womack, celebrated the verdict on social media. Rodriguez wrote, “This is for creatives everywhere. No longer will we be bullied into silence when it comes to others profiting off of our ideas and creativity.”
Tiny, who has been vocal about the case, also applauded the decision. In 2020, MGA filed a lawsuit seeking a judgment that its products did not violate any IP rights, but counterclaims were filed by OMG Girlz, Tiny, and T.I.’s team. After two trials, the jury held MGA accountable for the infringement.
MGA, known for brands like Bratz and Mini Verse, denied the allegations but was ultimately ordered to pay the substantial damages. Attorneys representing OMG Girlz, Tiny, and T.I. commended their clients’ courage and determination in standing up to a corporate giant.
This verdict serves as a reminder that protecting intellectual property is crucial in today’s creative landscape. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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