NEW YORK — In a landmark decision, toy manufacturer MGA Entertainment has been ordered to pay $71.5 million in damages for violating the intellectual property of the musical group OMG Girlz. This verdict comes after a protracted legal battle over the rights to the name and image of the group, which the jury found were infringed upon by MGA’s line of “L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G.” dolls.
OMG Girlz, formed in 2009, gained popularity as an all-female teen pop group. The lawsuit centered on the claim that MGA’s dolls mirrored the name, appearance, and style of the group, leading to the substantial damages awarded divided between $17.9 million in actual damages and $53.6 million in punitive damages.
This verdict is a major victory for the group and its affiliates, including Xscape singer Tameka “Tiny” Harris and rapper Chris “T.I.” Harris. Tiny and T.I. are notably the mother and stepfather of OMG Girlz member Zonnique Pullins. This familial connection brought additional personal stakes to the case.
Following the announcement of the verdict, members of the OMG Girlz took to social media to express their victory and solidarity with artists everywhere. Bahja Rodriguez, a member of the group, emphasized the importance of this win for creatives, highlighting the struggle against being silenced or exploited for their original ideas and creativity.
Tiny also voiced her approval of the court’s decision, having been a vocal advocate for the group’s rights throughout the duration of the legal proceedings. This legal victory was celebrated as a stand against the intimidation tactics of larger corporations and a win for artists’ rights to their own creative properties.
Initially, MGA launched a pre-emptive strike in 2020 with a lawsuit seeking a declaration that its products did not infringe on the music group’s intellectual property. This was in response to a cease-and-desist notice from the group. The legal battle saw several turns, including a mistrial in January 2023 due to barred testimony that wrongly introduced claims of cultural appropriation, and a subsequent trial that initially favored MGA but later led to a retrial at the behest of the OMG Girlz.
The case was closely followed by the entertainment and business communities, highlighting the tension between corporate branding and individual intellectual property rights. Despite MGA’s defense, which emphasized the lack of customer confusion and the significant sales of over 40 million dolls, the jury sided with the OMG Girlz.
Legal experts and attorneys representing the OMG Girlz praised the jury’s verdict, describing it as a rightful acknowledgment of the group’s grievance and a message to large corporations about respecting creators’ rights.
This verdict not only underscores the value of intellectual property but also sets a significant precedent for similar cases in the realm of entertainment and business. It reflects the increasing vigilance of creative rights in the digital age, where the line between inspiration and infringement can often blur.
MGA Entertainment, known also for other popular toy brands such as Bratz and Mini Verse, has yet to respond to the verdict. However, the outcome of this case may prompt other companies to reevaluate their product strategies, particularly when drawing inspiration from popular culture figures.