Los Angeles, CA — In a significant legal decision, MGA Entertainment has been ordered to pay $71.5 million in damages for violating intellectual property rights of the teen pop group OMG Girlz. The infringement stemmed from similarities found between the toy company’s “L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G.” line of dolls and the band’s name and image.
The verdict, issued on Monday, marks a pivotal victory for OMG Girlz, along with the group’s affiliates, Xscape singer Tameka “Tiny” Harris and rapper Chris “T.I.” Harris, in their protracted legal dispute with the California-based toy manufacturer. The jury identified that several dolls from the questioned line unlawfully borrowed the band’s distinctive style and identity traits, including closely resembling their outfits.
The recent judgment resulted in the awarding of $17.9 million in actual damages to the plaintiffs and an additional $53.6 million in punitive damages, recognizing the severity of the infringement.
Tameka “Tiny” Harris, who is closely related to OMG Girlz as the mother of band member Zonnique Pullins and wife to T.I., has been vocally supportive of the legal fight. Post-verdict celebrations echoed across social media, with band member Bahja Rodriguez highlighting the victory as a win for artists everywhere against corporate control over creative expressions.
The intellectual property conflict began escalating in 2020 when MGA sought a declaratory judgment to affirm that its products did not infringe on any rights held by OMG Girlz. This move followed a cease-and-desist letter from the band. The battle saw multiple courtroom engagements, including an initial mistrial in January 2023 and a subsequent trial that initially sided with MGA before a judge approved a retrial at the request of OMG Girlz.
Throughout the legal proceedings, MGA maintained that the allegations were unfounded, emphasizing that they had sold over 40 million dolls without customer confusion. However, the legal narrative favored OMG Girlz in the latest judgment, potentially setting a substantial precedent in how similar cases might be handled henceforth.
Representatives for MGA, known for other popular toy lines like Bratz and Mini Verse, have yet to respond to the outcome of the case. The significant financial judgment underscores the increasing battles over intellectual property in industries where branding and stylistic elements are closely guarded.
Legal experts note that the case serves as a crucial reminder and warning to companies about the importance of respecting artistic and intellectual properties, especially in industries where the line between inspiration and infringement can often appear blurred.
The jury’s decision is not just a win in court for OMG Girlz and their affiliates but also a significant statement in favor of artists’ rights to control and protect their creative outputs against dominant corporate interests. The case might influence future dealings between small creative groups and large companies, ensuring more careful considerations and respect for original content and branding.