Does the BARBIE Doll Have German Parents?
A German toy company, Greiner and Hausser, alleges that Mattel's BARBIE doll is based on its BILD-LILLI doll (pictured. More pictures, including one where it resembles a disheveled Marlene Dietrich, here). The German company litigated and settled with Mattel 40 years ago, and has brought a new action claiming royalties on every Barbie sold over the past 40 years (which would be a Big Number). The Ninth Circuit has issued a preliminary procedural ruling regarding personal jursidiction. The decision is a must-read for those consumed by the history of Barbie.
Mattel v. Greiner and Hausser, No. 02-56272 (9th Cir Dec 22, 2003).