Judge Cuts T.I. & Tiny's OMG Girlz Lawsuit Award from $71M to $17M
Judge Cuts T.I. and Tiny’s OMG Girlz Lawsuit Award from $71M to $17M
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
In September 2024, T.I. and Tiny Harris celebrated a significant legal victory when a federal jury awarded them $71 million in their trademark infringement lawsuit against MGA Entertainment. The couple had accused the toy company of releasing dolls with designs and names resembling their girl group, OMG Girlz. The ruling was seen as a triumph for the Harrises, who expressed gratitude for the jury’s decision to side with them.
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“We wanted to thank the jurors for just seeing us through this and believing in what we said,” Tiny told People at the time. “They heard our story and knew we weren’t lying. It’s amazing.” T.I. echoed her sentiments, saying, “It’s a testament to the relentless 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.”
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However, the case took a turn on January 6, 2025, when U.S. District Judge James Selna issued a preliminary ruling. Judge Selna found insufficient evidence to prove MGA Entertainment had directly copied the OMG Girlz’ designs or willfully infringed on their trademark. Under the Lanham Act, proof of intentional infringement is crucial for such cases to result in punitive damages. Based on this, Selna ruled that the company would not be liable for $53 million of the original award.
Despite the reduction, T.I. and Tiny will still receive $17 million in damages. While the revised payout is a fraction of the original award, the ruling still acknowledges the importance of protecting intellectual property.
Related Article: Here’s What Must Happen Before Tiny & T.I. Get Their $71 Million Settlement for The OMG Girlz
Related Article: Baby Mama Reveal: Meet the Mother of King Harris’ Unborn Son
The case remains a notable example of creators standing up for their work, even as the reduced settlement may feel like a setback for the Harrises. Their persistence in seeking justice underscores the ongoing struggle to safeguard creative endeavors in the face of corporate challenges.
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