New York — In a landmark decision, the California-based toy manufacturer MGA Entertainment has been ordered to pay $71.5 million in damages after a federal jury found the company guilty of infringing upon the intellectual property of the teen pop group OMG Girlz. The lawsuit centered on the similarities between the band’s name and likeness and MGA’s “L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G.” line of dolls.
The court ruled in favor of OMG Girlz, as well as their affiliates, including Xscape singer Tameka “Tiny” Harris and rapper Chris “T.I.” Harris, marking the culmination of a protracted legal struggle between the two parties. This was the third trial in a series of complex legal challenges, which began when MGA launched a preemptive lawsuit in 2020 after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from the music group.
The jury found that several dolls from the “L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G.” series illegally copied the “trade dress” of the OMG Girlz, incorporating their distinctive name, appearance, and fashion style into the toys. This verdict led to an award of $17.9 million in actual damages and $53.6 million in punitive damages to the plaintiffs.
The monetary award reflects a significant acknowledgment of the infringement and aims to deter similar misconduct by large corporations against creative entities. The case underscores the legal protections available for artists and creatives to safeguard their original work from unauthorized use.
Members of OMG Girlz, including Zonnique Pullins, Bahja Rodriguez, and Breaunna Womack, reacted to the verdict with celebratory posts on social media, emphasizing the victory for creative individuals everywhere. Rodriguez specifically hailed the decision as a triumph against the exploitation of artists’ ideas and creativity.
Tameka “Tiny” Harris has been particularly vocal throughout the duration of the case, advocating strongly on behalf of her daughter Zonnique and the group. The legal battle included several rounds in court, with an initial mistrial in January 2023 due to improper testimony, followed by a second trial favoring MGA, and finally the decisive third trial that concluded with a victory for OMG Girlz and their representatives.
Despite MGA’s consistent denials of any wrongdoing and assertions that no consumer confusion arose from their product line, which reportedly sold over 40 million dolls, the jury sided with the artists. The defense argued vehemently against the accusations, labeling them as “baseless and offensive.”
Legal representatives for OMG Girlz, Tiny, and T.I. praised the jury’s decision, highlighting their clients’ resolve to confront and challenge the intimidation tactics of a major corporation. They acknowledged the importance of holding such entities accountable when they overstep intellectual property rights.
While MGA, the company behind popular brands such as Bratz and Mini Verse, did not immediately comment on the jury’s decision, this case marks a pivotal moment concerning the protection of intellectual property in the entertainment industry. It serves as a reminder of the legal repercussions companies can face when they infringe upon the creative outputs of artists, potentially setting a precedent for future cases involving intellectual property disputes.