Thursday, April 21, 2011

Bratz doll KO's Barbie in $89 million win

Mattel Inc., the maker of Barbie dolls, lost an $89 million verdict today that ended seven years of litigation against the maker of the popular Bratz doll line.

The question was whether a former Mattel designer violated his non-compete agreement to create a zillion-dollar new doll line at another company. Apparently he didn't.

Mattel also unsuccessfully argued that Barbie's enhanced body features were trademarked, but the jury said that the dolls look nothing alike. Mattel was also guilty of corporate spying.

Barbie had class. Mattel does not.

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