Economy/AP
Federal judge upholds $100M Mattel verdict over Bratz dolls, appoints receiver for MGA
Associated Press
06/20/09 8:10 PM EDT
RIVERSIDE, CALIF. — A federal judge has upheld a $100 million jury verdict for Mattel Inc. in a lengthy legal battle over rights to the Bratz doll, a rival to Mattel's Barbie.
U.S. District Judge Stephen Larson also confirmed in his ruling late Monday that the Bratz doll is Mattel property.
He appointed a temporary federal receiver to take control of the Bratz brand and the assets of MGA Entertainment Inc., which had marketed the doll since 2001.
Mattel sued MGA in 2004, alleging that Bratz designer Carter Bryant developed the concept for the pouty-lipped doll while working for Mattel.
A jury decided in Mattel's favor last year.
MGA attorneys and a spokeswoman did not immediately respond to e-mails and phone calls Monday evening.
