'Justice Served': T.I., Tiny Triumph in David vs. Goliath Doll Fight

Hip-hop mogul T.I. and his wife Tameka "Tiny" Harris were awarded a staggering $71 million by a federal jury on Monday, which found that toy giant MGA Entertainment willfully infringed on the likeness of the couple's teen pop group, OMG Girlz, in its popular "L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G." line of dolls.

T.I., Tiny & OMG Girlz win massive $71 million jury award at OMG Girlz infringement/appropriation trial against L.O.L. Surprise dollmaker MGA Entertainment

$17,872,359 in real damages

$53,616,759 in punitive damages

— Nancy Dillon (@Nancy__Dillon) September 23, 2024

The three-week trial, the third in a protracted legal battle between the Harris family and MGA, culminated in an emotional victory for the couple and their daughters. The jury awarded $17.9 million in actual damages and an additional $53.6 million in punitive damages, sending a clear message about the importance of protecting intellectual property rights.

"Justice was served," T.I. declared outside the courthouse. "This is a testament to the resilience of my family and all creatives who fight to protect their work. Corporations can't just take what doesn't belong to them."

Tameka “Tiny” Harris and OMG Girlz leaving court after winning eye-popping $71 million jury award

Jury found MGA Entertainment, maker of “L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G.” dolls, violated the trade dress, name, image and likeness of the OMG Girlz pic.twitter.com/THFCnvhf2v

— Nancy Dillon (@Nancy__Dillon) September 24, 2024

The dispute centered on claims that MGA copied the distinctive "trade dress" – the overall look and feel – of the OMG Girlz, a group formed by Tiny in 2009 and featuring her daughter Zonnique "Star" Pullins along with Bahja "Beauty" Rodriguez and Breaunna "Babydoll" Womack. The jury specifically found that 13 MGA dolls infringed on the group's trade dress, while two others misappropriated their name, image, and likeness.

They most definitely created that brand around the OMG Girlz...

I have to say that was well deserved... but also just goes to show how much revenue they made off of them

When all they had to do was form a collaboration with them pic.twitter.com/guoXGyOdsL

— Shay Monyá (@Shay_Official1) September 24, 2024

Emotional Testimony and Consumer Confusion

Throughout the trial, the Harris family and the OMG Girlz members offered compelling testimony, recounting their shock and dismay upon discovering the striking resemblance between the dolls and their own carefully cultivated image. Tears flowed freely as the young women described feeling violated and exploited by MGA's actions.

Crucial to the Harrises' case was evidence of consumer confusion. Their attorney, John Keville, presented social media posts and other testimonials from fans who mistakenly believed the dolls were officially associated with the OMG Girlz. This evidence bolstered the argument that MGA deliberately capitalized on the group's popularity to boost sales.

A David vs. Goliath Battle

MGA Entertainment, known for its fiercely competitive approach to the toy market, vehemently denied any wrongdoing. CEO Isaac Larian dismissed the lawsuit as a "money grab" and accused the Harris family of extortion. MGA's legal team maintained that the dolls were original creations and that any similarities were coincidental.

However, the jury's verdict delivered a resounding blow to MGA's defense. The substantial punitive damages award underscored the jury's belief that MGA acted with malice or reckless indifference to the Harrises' rights.

A Long Road to Justice

The Harris family's fight for justice has been a long and arduous one. The first trial in January 2023 ended in a mistrial, and a second trial later that year resulted in a verdict favoring MGA. However, a June 2023 Supreme Court ruling on trademark law paved the way for a retrial, ultimately leading to the Harrises' triumphant victory.

This is what the verdict form looked ike, or pretty close to it. Jurors had to rule individually for 33 dolls.

They said the first eight infringe the OMG Girlz trade dress. pic.twitter.com/TpnZLVy8Pf

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) September 23, 2024

MGA to Appeal

Despite the overwhelming verdict, MGA's legal team has indicated that the company plans to appeal. The case is likely to continue generating headlines as it winds its way through the appeals process.

Regardless of the final outcome, the Harrises' victory serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of corporate giants, individuals and smaller entities can successfully defend their intellectual property rights.