The latest trial in a long-running legal battle pitting T.I. and Tameka “Tiny” Harris against toy company MGA ended in a loss for the power couple — but they’re still walking away with millions of dollars.
Lawyers for T.I. and Tiny confirmed on Wednesday (July 1) that a federal jury rejected their request to tack additional damages onto the $18 million they previously won from MGA — the toy behemoth behind successful brands like Bratz and Little Tikes — for copying their teen pop group OMG Girlz with a line of “O.M.G.” dolls. At this trial, T.I. and Tiny argued that MGA should pay extra because the infringement was intentional and malicious. But the jury was unconvinced, rejecting the couple’s request to add so-called punitive damages.
In a statement to Billboard, the Harrises’ attorneys said they “appreciate the jury’s time and consideration but are disappointed in the verdict.”
“It’s clear from the evidence that MGA’s policies are inadequate to prevent this type of IP infringement and their document retention and collection procedures are equally as suspect,” said the musicians’ lawyers. “We will continue to fight for our clients’ rights and the rights of all creatives.”
Reps for MGA did not immediately return requests for comment on the verdict.
This was the fourth trial in six years of litigation over the O.M.G. dolls. T.I and Tiny began alleging in 2020 that MGA’s dolls ripped off the name, outfits and neon-colored hair of the OMG Girlz, a trio founded by the Harrises in 2009 and featuring their daughter Zonnique Pullins alongside Bahja Rodriguez and Breaunna Womack. MGA has consistently denied any infringement.
An initial trial in the case ended in a mistrial in 2023 due to improper testimony about racism, and a jury cleared MGA of all wrongdoing at a second trial the same year. But that verdict was wiped on appeal amid evolving Supreme Court precedent, teeing up a third trial in 2024. That time, a jury found that MGA intentionally copied the OMG Girlz and awarded $18 million in profits, plus $53 million in punitive damages for a total of $71 million.
Last summer, however, a judge wiped out the punitive damages after determining that the Harrises had not put forth “clear and convincing evidence of willful infringement or conscious disregard for the rights of others.” This led to a fourth mini-trial this month solely on the question of punitive damages, in which jurors sided with MGA on Wednesday and capped the verdict at $18 million.
