Toy company MGA Entertainment was ordered to pay $71.5 million in damages for using the name and likeness of the teen pop group OMG Girlz in one of its popular doll lines, as decided by a federal jury. The verdict on Monday marked a victory for OMG Girlz, Xscape singer Tameka “Tiny” Harris, and rapper Chris “T.I.” Harris following a prolonged legal battle with the California-based company. The jury concluded that MGA’s “L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G.” dolls bore a resemblance in name and style to the all-female band, including similar clothing designs.
The jury found that some of the dolls infringed on OMG Girlz’s trade dress and misappropriated the group’s name, likeness, and identity. As a result, the jury awarded OMG Girlz, Tiny, and T.I. $17.9 million in actual damages along with $53.6 million in punitive damages. OMG Girlz member Zonnique Pullins’ mother and stepfather, Tiny and T.I., expressed their joy over the verdict, with Pullins and fellow bandmates Bahja Rodriguez and Breaunna Womack celebrating on Instagram.
Rodriguez emphasized the importance of standing up against the exploitation of creativity, stating, “This is for creatives everywhere.” Tiny, who has been vocal about the case, also commended the decision. MGA had filed a lawsuit in 2020 seeking a judgment that their products did not infringe on any rights owned by OMG Girlz after receiving a cease-and-desist letter. However, counterclaims were filed by OMG Girlz, Tiny, and T.I.
The initial trial in January 2023 resulted in a mistrial due to the introduction of testimony accusing MGA of cultural appropriation. The second trial favored MGA, but a retrial was granted upon OMG Girlz’s request. MGA, known for toy brands like Bratz and Mini Verse, and their legal representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the verdict. MGA consistently denied the allegations of infringement and misappropriation during the trial.
Despite MGA’s defense, the attorneys representing OMG Girlz, Tiny, and T.I. praised their determination and courage to confront a large corporation’s intimidation tactics. They commended the jury for holding MGA “fully accountable” in the case.
