Punitive

Rapper T.I. and Wife Tiny Secure $17.8 Million in Doll Line Trademark Battle, Punitive Damages at Stake

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Santa Ana, Calif. — In a recent development in the legal battle between rapper T.I., formally known as Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., and MGA Entertainment Inc., a federal judge is reconsidering a prior decision that awarded substantial punitive damages to the musician and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Harris. The dispute revolves around alleged trademark infringements concerning a line of dolls resembling the former OMG Girlz singing group, managed by the Harris couple. U.S. District Judge James Selna, earlier granted the Harrises $17.8 million representing the profits from sales of seven dolls accused of mimicking the … Read more

T.I. and Tiny Harris Win $17.8 Million in Doll Trademark Case, Court Denies Additional $53 Million in Punitive Damages

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Santa Ana, California — A recent legal battle involving rapper T.I. Harris and his wife Tameka “Tiny” Harris against the toy maker MGA Entertainment concluded with the couple being awarded $17.8 million but denied additional punitive damages sought in the case. The dispute centered on accusations that MGA Entertainment had infringed on the trademark of the OMG Girlz, a music group affiliated with the Harris family, by creating dolls that were strikingly similar. The legal victory secured by T.I. and Tiny Harris represents the profits MGA earned from seven distinct doll designs. However, U.S. District … Read more

Judge Drastically Cuts Award in UPS Discrimination Case, Rejects $198 Million in Punitive Damages

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Yakima, Wash. — In a significant legal adjustment, a federal judge has significantly reduced a punitive damages award against United Parcel Service in a case involving allegations of workplace discrimination and wrongful termination. The initial jury verdict, which sided with former UPS driver Tahvio Gratton, awarded him $237.6 million. However, after further judicial review, the punitive damages were cut down to $39.6 million. The judicial review was prompted by UPS’ appeal, addressing the excessive nature of the punitive award decided by the jury. US District Judge Thomas Rice, ruling on the matter, deemed the original … Read more

Jury Awards $3.8 Million in Asbestos Case, Including Rare Punitive Damages, to Retired Boilermaker and Wife

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Pittsburgh, PA — A Pittsburgh jury has awarded a $3.8 million verdict to a retired boilermaker, Harry Chirdon, and his wife, against Chirdon’s former employer, boiler company Foster Wheeler, for its role in his diagnosis of mesothelioma. The substantial sum includes not only compensation for the Chirdons’ medical and personal losses but also punitive damages, a rarity in asbestos litigation, highlighting the severity of the company’s misconduct. The trial concluded on Sept. 26 at the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas under Judge Arnold Klein. It uncovered that Chirdon, now 76, had suffered significant exposure … Read more