Bratz doll maker MGA wins court battle with Mattel

[Viva_La_Revolution]

Source: Los Angeles Times

In a stunning decision, a jury sided with the maker of Bratz dolls, MGA Entertainment Inc., over Mattel Inc. in the retrial over who owns the rights to the billion-dollar franchise.

The decision came Thursday morning in federal court in Santa Ana, capping eight days of jury deliberations, nearly three months of testimony and years of corporate bickering. Dozens of spectators packed U.S. District Judge David O. Carter's courtroom for the announcement, including the chief executives of both companies.

The eight-person jury, made up of four men and four women, rejected Mattel's copyright infringement claims; said Mattel did not own the rights to the dolls, early models or accessories; and said MGA did not steal trade secrets.

Awards of monetary damages in the case were read in court much of Thursday morning, and it was clear that Mattel would owe MGA millions of dollars. On MGA's claims that Mattel stole trade secrets, for instance, the jury decided that Mattel owed its rival $88.5 million.

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-bratz-verdict-20110422,0,6609913.story

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Still wouldn't buy a Bratz doll for my granddaughter.

[uppityperson]

3. skank dolls, good for you

[librechik]

2. nobody to like in this case n/t

[Rozlee]

4. Wouldn't buy them for my granddaughter, but injured soldiers at BAMC liked them.

I got a big kick out of the way they'd use them to play strip poker and undress them when they got a losing hand. Pervs.