Ubisoft wins Bratz lawsuit

The firm of Greenberg Glusker announced that its client, Ubisoft Entertainment, obtained a USD 13.2 million judgment in a copyright and trademark infringement dispute against MGA Entertainment.

The lawsuit stemmed from a 2002 agreement in which Ubisoft licensed MGA's Bratz dolls for use in videogames.

MGA sought to renegotiate the agreement in 2003, allegedly terminating the license without cause and on pretextual grounds. The company sued Ubisoft when it refused to meet its demands; Ubisoft counter-sued MGA for breach of contract.

"We are thrilled with the result, and we feel completely vindicated," said Ubisoft's general counsel Cecile Russeil.

"We could not have achieved this outcome without attorneys who mastered every aspect of the case, and thoroughly understood our video gaming business."

The case went to arbitration, leading to a ruling rejecting MGA's claimsft. The arbitrator awarded Ubisoft USD 13 million in lost profits damages, attorney's fees and interest. The award was confirmed by the Los Angeles Superior Court.

"Our relationship with Ubisoft went far beyond the normal lawyer-client relationship," said Stephen Smith, Greenberg Glusker's lead counsel in the matter.

"We effectively became an extension of our client, learning everything about Ubisoft's business from its most senior management."