MATTEL FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST FORMER EMPLOYEE

Mattel Inc. has confirmed that it is suing former Mattel employee, Carter Bryant for allegedly misappropriating company intellectual property and secretly working for a competitor while still at Mattel. According to a Reuters report dated April 28, 2004, sources close to the situation say the competitor Bryant worked for was MGA Entertainment, the maker of the highly successful Bratz fashion dolls. MGA Entertainment declined to comment on the lawsuit.

The Bratz doll line has steadily chipped away at Mattel’s sales of Barbie. However, Mattel declined to make any statement regarding ongoing litigation. Mattel also declined to state which products were involved or what competitor it alleges Bryant worked with.

At this point, some are wondering how the lawsuit may affect the fashion doll industry.

More information to come soon…