Jury rejects Mattel's Bratz doll copyright claim

A federal court jury has rejected Mattel's claims that it owns the copyright to the blockbuster, billion-dollar Bratz dolls.

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - A federal court jury has rejected Mattel's claims that it owns the copyright to the blockbuster, billion-dollar Bratz dolls. Instead, it awarded upstart rival MGA Entertainment more than $88 million in damages for misappropriation of trade secrets.

The verdict came as a staggering blow to the toy giant. It has long claimed the smaller company stole the idea for the provocative, pouty lipped toys.

The verdict will allow MGA to regain control of its flagship fashion doll that debuted in 2001 and to once again try to compete with Mattel's iconic Barbie doll to dominate the market.

One analyst says Bratz are now a shadow of the former brand, adding that wholesale sales are now under $50 million, down from $800 million at their peak five years ago.

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