In 2025, Atlanta rappers T.I. and his wife Tameka “Tiny” Harris are at the center of a significant legal dispute over intellectual property rights related to their co-founded teen pop group, the OMG Girlz. The couple alleges that MGA Entertainment’s “O.M.G.” doll line infringed on their group’s likeness, style, and name, sparking a high-profile lawsuit that has attracted national attention.
Details of the TI and Tiny lawsuit
The TI and Tiny lawsuit began in 2021 after the couple claimed that MGA Entertainment’s dolls copied the OMG Girlz’ distinctive fashion, hairstyles, and overall image without authorization. This intellectual property infringement allegedly resulted in MGA profiting from the OMG Girlz’ creative brand without consent or compensation to the artists.
According to legal filings, the OMG Girlz, formed in 2009 by Tiny and including their daughter Zonnique Pullins among its members, developed a unique trade dress including concert outfits, hairstyles, and branding. MGA Entertainment was accused of overtly replicating these elements in their L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Fashion Dolls line launched in 2019.
MGA initially denied wrongdoing but faced mounting evidence showing clear similarities between their dolls and the OMG Girlz’ public personas. The case became a landmark for intellectual property rights in music and entertainment merchandising.
Court Trials and Verdicts
The lawsuit culminated in a jury verdict in September 2024, awarding T.I. and Tiny approximately $71 million in damages—$17.9 million in actual damages and $53.6 million in punitive damages. This outcome was celebrated as one of the largest dollar amounts granted to musicians in a copyright dispute.
However, the victory was not final. In 2025, a judge revisited the award’s punitive damages portion, ruling that while the compensatory damages would stand, the punitive damages lacked sufficient evidence of deliberate misconduct by MGA Entertainment. The judge reduced the punitive damages to $1 and allowed T.I. and Tiny the option to accept the reduction or proceed with a new trial.
Current Status and Wider Significance
Rejecting the reduced punitive damages, T.I. and Tiny pursued a retrial to hold MGA fully accountable. The ongoing TI and Tiny lawsuit has spotlighted the challenges artists face when defending their intellectual property from large entertainment and toy corporations.
The case underscores the broader cultural and legal issues surrounding the protection of creative works, especially for minority artists in the entertainment industry. Tiny remarked in interviews, “We stood firm for our creation,” while T.I. emphasized the importance of safeguarding creative rights in an increasingly commercialized sector.
Beyond the courtroom, the lawsuit has drawn attention to the complexities of merchandising rights connected to music groups and the potential for corporations to profit off artists’ brands without friendship or fair compensation.
Industry observers view the case as a precedent-setting moment for copyright enforcement in music-related product merchandising. The outcome may influence how future licensing agreements and intellectual property claims are handled between artists and commercial manufacturers.
Background on the OMG Girlz and Merchandise
The OMG Girlz emerged as a popular teenage girl music group backed by Tameka “Tiny” Harris, debuting in 2009 and quickly gaining a following for their hip-hop and R&B style. The group’s aesthetic became integral to its identity, showcasing vibrant fashions, braided hairstyles, and bold personalities.
Capitalizing on this success, merchandise and promotional partnerships became a natural extension of the brand. The L.O.L. Surprise! OMG dolls, launched by MGA Entertainment in 2019, were marketed as collectible fashion dolls with striking resemblances to the OMG Girlz members.
The lawsuit hinged on the claim that MGA had infringed on trademarks, trade dress, and copyrights by creating dolls that were indistinguishable from the OMG Girlz’ image without any approval or licensing.
Legal Arguments and Key Evidence
Legal experts noted that the plaintiffs established a compelling case by demonstrating the following: the timelines of the doll production closely followed the OMG Girlz’ rise in popularity; marketing materials mimicked the group’s aesthetics; and internal communications from MGA indicated awareness of the group’s influence.
The defense attempted to refute claims by arguing the dolls reflected common trends in fashion and style rather than direct copying. Nonetheless, document disclosures and witness testimonies during trial supported the contention of intentional infringement.
Public and Industry Reactions
The verdict was met with support from many in the music and creative industries, highlighting the importance of protecting artistic works from corporate exploitation. Conversely, some toy industry representatives expressed concern about the potential impact on innovation in doll design.
Media coverage extensively covered the case, drawing attention to larger themes of intellectual property, race, and fairness in entertainment business practices.
Ongoing Developments
As of mid-2025, the retrial process is anticipated to focus on punitive damages and further confirm MGA’s intentions. Both parties are expected to continue negotiations, although legal experts predict the case may extend further due to its complexity.
The lawsuit remains a critical example of how artists can assert their rights and challenge large corporations, setting legal and cultural benchmarks for future cases.
Conclusion
The TI and Tiny lawsuit against MGA Entertainment represents a landmark conflict at the intersection of music, merchandising, and intellectual property law. It highlights the ongoing struggle artists face to protect their creative likenesses in a market dominated by powerful corporations.
As the legal battle continues, the case will likely influence how artist rights are negotiated and enforced in the entertainment and merchandising industries going forward.
