In a major authorized victory for toymaker MGA Leisure, a federal jury in Santa Ana has dominated in favor of the corporate in a high-profile dispute with rapper Clifford “T.I.” Harris and his spouse, singer-songwriter Tameka “Tiny” Harris.
The Harris couple had accused MGA of improperly utilizing the likeness of the OMG Girlz, a lady group they managed, within the “L.O.L. Shock! OMG” line of dolls.
The OMG Girlz, which incorporates Tiny’s daughter and two of her pals, was promoted by the Harris couple from 2009 till 2015, with a quick reunion in 2017.
In January 2023, Tiny Harris publicly referred to as out MGA Leisure on Instagram, sharing a number of pictures of the dolls and highlighting their putting resemblance to the members of OMG Girlz.
The couple’s allegations centered on the declare that the hair, gown, and identify of the dolls have been practically equivalent to these of the OMG Girlz and argued that this amounted to an infringement on the group’s likeness.
The couple sought practically $100 million in damages from MGA, which started promoting the dolls in 2019.
MGA Leisure turned embroiled on this authorized spat when the Harris couple despatched a cease-and-desist order to the corporate in 2020.
In response to T.I. and Tiny, they found the dolls when followers introduced them to their consideration. They then tried to settle the matter privately with MGA, which allegedly led to the toymaker submitting a lawsuit towards them.
Of their countersuit, T.I. and Tiny argued that MGA responded in unhealthy religion. They asserted that as a substitute of discussing a licensing settlement, MGA pre-emptively filed a lawsuit claiming sole possession of the identify and picture of the OMG Dolls.
Regardless of their efforts, the Harris couple misplaced their authorized battle. A jury discovered the Harris’ and The OMG Girlz deserted their trademark in 2018, paving the best way for MGA’s wins. The jury’s determination signifies that they can not stop MGA from advertising and marketing the ultra-successful line of dolls.
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