Legal News

Larson decides Mattel can keep the Bratz

By Richard Binder

It's been almost a year since Mattel and MGA went to battle over the Bratz dolls and whose property they really were.  Last summer a jury decided that Mattel was correct in accusing MGA of stealing the Bratz idea when a Mattel employee, still under contract with the company, was hired by MGA to design the dolls.  Mattel had asked for $2 billion, but the jury awarded them $100 million instead. 

Yesterday U.S. District Judge Stephen Larson not only upheld that $100 million verdict, but also lifted the stay on a previous order that blocked MGA from making and licensing any more Bratz dolls.  Retailers can still sell the Bratz dolls through the end of the year.  Larson confirmed in his decision that the Bratz are property of Mattel.

Larson appointed a temporary federal receiver to take over the brand and MGA's assets.  MGA President Isaac Larian said his company will appeal the ruling.  Click these for details.

This decision comes after a delay regarding MGA's switch of counsel.  See these for details.

Full post as published by Legal Pad | LA on April 28, 2009 (boomark / email).