Current:Home > InvestT.I. and Tameka "Tiny" Harris Win $71 Million in Lawsuit Against Toy Company -AssetLink
T.I. and Tameka "Tiny" Harris Win $71 Million in Lawsuit Against Toy Company
View
Date:2025-04-15 19:31:42
T.I. and Tameka "Tiny" Harris are celebrating a victory.
The "Live Your Life" rapper and his wife of 14 years were awarded $71 million on Sept. 23 after winning their third court trial against toy giant MGA Entertainment, which was accused of violating the intellectual property rights of the couple's music group the OMG Girlz with their L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls.
"We were proud to represent the OMG Girlz, Tiny, and T.I.," their lawyer told E! News in a Sept. 24 statement, "who had the courage to stand up for themselves and fight a billion-dollar corporation's intimidation and insults with grace, perseverance, and a determination to protect their intellectual property and the rights of other creatives."
The statement added that thanks to T.I. and Tiny's determination, "a remarkable jury did the fair, just and right thing by holding MGA Entertainment fully accountable for trade dress infringement and for misappropriation of name, likeness, and identity."
E! News has reached out to MGA's lawyer for comment but hasn't heard back.
Jurors awarded T.I., 43, and Tiny, 49, (real names Clifford Joseph Harris and Tameka Dianne Cottle-Harris) $17.9 million in real damages and $53.6 million in punitive damages following the three-week trial in Santa Ana, Calif.
In their verdict, jurors said that 13 L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls had "infringed on the trade dress and misappropriated the name, image, and likeness" of T.I. and Tiny's OMG Girlz band, according to Rolling Stone. They also found that a 14th doll violated the group's trade dress, while a 15th misappropriated the band's name, image and likeness.
T.I. and Tiny had started OMG Girlz in 2009, with the girl group consisting of Zonnique "Star" Pullins (Tiny's daughter), Bahja "Beauty" Rodriguez and Breaunna "Babydoll" Womack.
During the trial, T.I. and Tiny—who are also parents to children Clifford, 18, Major, 16, and Heiress, 8—alleged that seven of MGA's dolls copied the OMG Girlz looks at "very specific public events or in publicized photos," per Rolling Stone. MGA's founder Isaac Larian had testified during the court proceedings that the group played no role in the look of the dolls, calling them "extortionists."
Following the verdict, Tiny and T.I. were elated over the jury's decision.
"I mean, wow. They did more than I thought they would," Tiny told Rolling Stone. "I would have been happy with whatever. They blessed us more than beyond. We wanted to thank the jurors so bad, but we didn't get the opportunity."
T.I. added, "I think justice was served. I think it's a testament to the relentlessness and resilience of my wife, daughter and nieces. We're just happy we were able to come out on top and fight for creatives and our intellectual property that large corporations seem to think is just public domain and free for all to come and grab and use."
Tiny also shared her excitement on Instagram, writing Sept. 23, "Man we may look crazy cause we been crying tears of joy!! We are so Grateful God. Thank you so much to the jurors first & foremost! We wanted to thank you in person but u guys were gone. To our amazing dream team u guys killed it!! We owe u everything!"
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (648)
Related
- Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
- US official says Mideast mediators are preparing for implementation of cease-fire deal in advance
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword, Baby, Do You Like This Beat?
- Suspect in fatal shooting of Virginia sheriff’s deputy dies at hospital, prosecutor says
- Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
- Kate Spade Outlet Sparkles with Up to 73% off (Plus an Extra 15%) – $57 Bags, $33 Wristlets & More
- Taylor Swift's best friend since childhood gives birth to sweet baby boy
- Sydney Sweeney's Cheeky Thirst Trap Is Immaculate
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- How many points did Caitlin Clark score tonight? Rookie shines in return from Olympic break
Ranking
- $1 Frostys: Wendy's celebrates end of summer with sweet deal
- When is deadly force justified? Recent police killings raise questions
- Scientists think they know the origin of the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs
- Detroit-area mall guards face trial in man’s death more than 10 years later
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- Latest search for 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre victims ends with 3 more found with gunshot wounds
- Memo to Pittsburgh Steelers: It's time to make Justin Fields, not Russell Wilson, QB1
- Pharmacist blamed for deaths in US meningitis outbreak will plead no contest in Michigan case
Recommendation
Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
The Democratic National Convention is here. Here’s how to watch it
Harris' economic plan promises voters affordable groceries and homes. Don't fall for it.
Harris Stirs Hope for a New Chapter in Climate Action
Jamaica's Kishane Thompson more motivated after thrilling 100m finish against Noah Lyles
Sydney Sweeney's Cheeky Thirst Trap Is Immaculate
Who plays Emily, Sylvie, Gabriel and Camille in 'Emily in Paris'? See full Season 4 cast
Demi Lovato’s One Major Rule She'll Have for Her Future Kids