NEW YORK (AP) — A federal jury in New York has ruled in favor of the teen pop group OMG Girlz in their intellectual property battle against toy maker MGA Entertainment. The jury ordered the company to pay $71.5 million in damages for infringing on the name and likeness of the group with their line of dolls named “L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G.”
The jury found that the dolls’ name and style bore a striking resemblance to that of the all-female band, including similar clothing. The members of OMG Girlz, which include Zonnique Pullins, Bahja Rodriguez, and Breaunna Womack, expressed their joy over the verdict on social media, celebrating a win for creatives everywhere who are often exploited for their ideas and creativity.
This legal battle dates back to years of disputes over intellectual property rights. MGA filed a lawsuit in 2020 seeking a judgement that their products did not violate any IP rights owned by OMG Girlz. However, counterclaims were filed by OMG Girlz, Tiny, and T.I.’s team, leading to a series of court trials.
Despite MGA’s denial of infringement and misappropriation, the jury sided with OMG Girlz and awarded them $17.9 million in real damages and $53.6 million in punitive damages. Attorneys for the group commended their determination to stand up against a powerful corporation like MGA, emphasizing the importance of holding companies fully accountable for their actions.
The legal battle not only highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property but also sheds light on the challenges faced by artists and creatives in the entertainment industry. Through their victory in court, OMG Girlz, Tiny, and T.I. have sent a powerful message about the significance of respecting the creativity and rights of individuals in the industry.