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tremon

So, basically, Mattel owes a large part of its fortune to the non-existence of IP laws?

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The article states that Mattel bought the rights to the doll.

debuted Barbie at the New York toy fair on March 9, 1959

acquired the rights to Bild Lilli in 1964

I'm not sure IP laws stop you making a doll that looks a bit like another doll.

a bit is a bit of an understatement though.

I guess that's why they bought Bild Lilli.

There was that Mattel lawsuit over the 'Bratz' doll rights. It resulted in a huge judgement that was later overturned, IIRC.

EDIT: I suppose I should mention that there were some issues resulting from the guy who made them changing jobs as well, but still, it's not too far outside that realm.

I think Mattel vs Bratz was mostly about the Bratz guy having been employed by Mattel when he had the idea rather than Bratz being similar to other dolls.

You're right, but it wouldn't have happened but for the idea that you can own ideas about dolls in the first place (i.e. I believe it was related to IP assignment clauses in the contract).

This calls for a stirring rendition of "Barbie Girl"... oh wait, nevermind.

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