T.I. and Tiny’s $71 Million Award for Victory in Doll Trial Cut Down to $18 Million. Now, They Could Pursue a New Trial

T.I. and Tiny’s $71 Million Victory in Doll Trial Drops to $18 Million

A US District Judge, James V. Selna, has drastically reduced the $71 million award initially granted to T.I. and Tiny Harris in their lawsuit against MGA Entertainment. The judge slashed the amount to $18 million, ruling that the evidence presented did not support the punitive damages of $53 million initially awarded. Instead, the judge found that only $1 could be sustained as punitive damages based on the evidence provided. This reduction leaves T.I. and Tiny with the option to either accept the revised award or pursue a new trial.

Less than a year after the couple’s legal triumph against MGA Entertainment, the court’s ruling on Tuesday, July 8, highlighted that the original punitive damages were unsustainable due to lack of evidence. The lawsuit, which involved allegations of MGA violating the intellectual property rights of the couple’s music group, the OMG Girlz, specifically in relation to the L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls, has taken a new turn with the reduced award. The couple’s lawyer, John Keville, stated their intention to reject the $1 award and explore other legal avenues.

In response to the amended judgment, T.I. and Tiny expressed disappointment but remained resolute in their pursuit of justice. They believe that MGA’s actions not only affected the OMG Girlz but also highlighted the challenges faced by creatives, particularly Black artists and young entrepreneurs, in safeguarding their intellectual property from corporate infringement. The couple’s determination to stand up against unfair use without recognition and compensation underscores the broader issue at hand in protecting artistic vision and branding.

The court’s decision to reduce the punitive damages came after MGA Entertainment argued against the initial ruling, claiming they did not act willfully and challenging the excessive nature of the award. Judge Selna’s revised ruling pointed out the insufficient evidence to prove MGA’s deliberate intent to copy the trade dress or likeness of the OMG Girlz, despite acknowledging the company’s knowledge of the group’s existence. The judge emphasized the lack of clear and convincing evidence to establish willfulness, intent, or conscious disregard in MGA’s conduct.

T.I. and Tiny now have a two-week window to consider their next steps following the amended judgment. While MGA Entertainment has yet to respond to requests for comments on the revised award, the artistic duo remains steadfast in seeking accountability for the alleged infringement. The ongoing legal battle serves as a testament to the complexities of protecting intellectual property in the creative industry, with implications for artists and entrepreneurs striving to defend their creative output from unauthorized use.

After securing their initial victory last year, T.I. and Tiny shared their gratitude for the jurors’ unanimous verdict, acknowledging the challenges faced during the legal proceedings. The significance of the case goes beyond a financial award, as it amplifies the larger issue of protecting artistic integrity and ownership in a competitive market. The couple’s courage in confronting a major corporation reflects a broader narrative of upholding creative rights and advocating for fair treatment within the entertainment industry.

In conclusion, the latest developments in T.I. and Tiny’s lawsuit against MGA Entertainment underscore the complexities of intellectual property disputes in the creative sector. The revised award highlights the challenges faced by artists in safeguarding their creations and the importance of legal recourse in combating alleged infringements. As the legal battle continues, T.I. and Tiny’s determination to uphold their vision and protect their intellectual property stands as a testament to the broader struggle for creative autonomy and recognition in a highly competitive industry.