Bratz sent packing as Barbie firm wins in court
5 Dec 08
US court orders makers to stop due to "theft" of concept
Bratz dolls have been banned from the shops by a California judge in a lawsuit brought by the makers of the rival Barbie models.
The order was issued by US district judge Stephen Larson after a jury found that Bratz designer Carter Bryant had developed the Bratz concept while working for Mattel, who produce the Barbie series. Mattel had accused Bratz owners MGA Entertainments of the theft of Bratz and the misappropriation of trade secrets.
Although ordered to stop the manufacturing of Bratz dolls immediately, MGA has been given until after the festive season to remove them from shelves. The company has also been ordered to reimburse vendors and distributors for the cost of the dolls.
The jury's decision also awarded Mattel $10 million for copyright infringement and $90 million for a breach of contract.
Bratz dolls were introduced to the toy market in 2001 and are thought to have made MGA Entertainments profits of $500m in 2006.
Isaac Larian, chief executive of MGA Entertainments, said the decision would be appealed.