Mattel Trial Starts

The stakes are high since the toy industry is hurting from all the competition from video games.

Opening statements begin in suit involving Bratz dolls

(AP) RIVERSIDE--An attorney for El Segundo-based Mattel Inc. says a rival toy company stole the idea for the Bratz fashion doll line that has become a global darling among consumers.
Attorney John Quinn made the allegation Tuesday during his opening statement in the federal copyright infringement trial in Riverside that pits Mattel against MGA Entertainment Inc., the maker of the urban-themed Bratz dolls.

Quinn says Mattel owns the rights to the Bratz dolls because the designer created the dolls while employed at Mattel.

MGA has denied the allegations and countersued, saying Mattel changed the design of its own "My Scene" dolls to more closely resemble the Bratz line and used its leverage with retailers to stifle competition.