Barbie Versus Bratz: Deathmatch
Admittedly, the war between Mattel and MGA is really interesting, particularly given that Barbie herself has her origins in a Lilly doll (raising the question of the ethics of a company who’s own product is entirely based on another suing a newcomer for copyright infringement).
In any event, here are some interesting perspectives on Barbie and the Great War
Bear in mind, though, that the Bratz lawsuit isn’t about Bratz dolls looking like Barbie — it’s based on the fact that their inventor was on a contract with Mattel at the time that he invented them, making anything he thought up legally Mattel’s property. That’s a whole ‘nother ethical kettle of fish, but it’s not actually the same case as the original “inspiration” for Barbie.
Comment by kirilaw — February 11, 2009 @ 9:26 am