In a recent verdict, jurors found that 13 L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls had infringed on the trade dress and misappropriated the name, image, and likeness of T.I. and Tiny’s OMG Girlz band. The decision also included a 14th doll that violated the group’s trade dress and a 15th doll that misappropriated the band’s name, image, and likeness. T.I. and Tiny had founded OMG Girlz in 2009, which consisted of Zonnique “Star” Pullins, Bahja “Beauty” Rodriguez, and Breaunna “Babydoll” Womack.
During the trial, T.I. and Tiny alleged that seven of MGA’s dolls had copied the OMG Girlz looks at specific public events or in publicized photos. The couple, who are parents to Clifford, Major, and Heiress, claimed that the dolls bore a strong resemblance to the girls in OMG Girlz. MGA’s founder, Isaac Larian, testified that the company had no involvement in the design of the dolls and referred to T.I. and Tiny as “extortionists.”
The legal battle highlights the issue of trade dress infringement and misappropriation of name, image, and likeness in the entertainment industry. The jury’s decision to find in favor of T.I. and Tiny suggests that they believed the dolls closely resembled the OMG Girlz and that MGA had unlawfully used the band’s intellectual property. The case raises questions about the responsibility of toy companies to respect the intellectual property rights of musical groups and other creators.
T.I. and Tiny’s case demonstrates the importance of protecting intellectual property in the entertainment industry, particularly when it comes to trade dress and the unauthorized use of names, images, and likenesses. The verdict serves as a warning to companies that attempt to capitalize on the success and popularity of established brands without permission. By holding MGA accountable for infringing on the OMG Girlz intellectual property, the jurors have sent a strong message about the consequences of unauthorized use of protected content.
The outcome of the trial may have significant financial implications for MGA, as they may be required to pay damages to T.I. and Tiny for the trade dress infringement and misappropriation of the band’s name, image, and likeness. The case could also lead to changes in the toy industry, with companies being more cautious about creating products that could be seen as imitating or misusing the intellectual property of popular musical acts. Moving forward, the dispute between T.I. and Tiny and MGA could have a lasting impact on how entertainment and toy companies approach licensing and intellectual property rights.
Overall, the jury’s verdict in the case between T.I. and Tiny and MGA over the L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls highlights the importance of respecting intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry. The decision serves as a reminder of the legal consequences that can arise from trade dress infringement and misappropriation of names, images, and likenesses. By holding MGA accountable for unlawfully using the intellectual property of the OMG Girlz, the jurors have sent a clear message about the need to protect creators’ rights in the toy industry. The case may lead to changes in how companies approach licensing and intellectual property, ultimately shaping the future of the entertainment and toy industries.
