Judge Cuts T.I. and Tiny's Doll Award to $18M

A federal judge has reduced the $71 million jury award for Atlanta entertainers T.I. and Tiny Harris to $18 million in their copyright lawsuit against MGA Entertainment, which alleged that MGA's 'O.M.G.' dolls copied the name, style, and image of their former pop group OMG Girlz. Judge James V. Selna found insufficient evidence of willful infringement by MGA, cutting punitive damages from $53.6 million to $1 while keeping $17.9 million in compensatory damages. The Harrises must now choose between accepting the reduced award or pursuing a fourth trial, with their lawyer stating they will reject the $1 punitive damages. The judge noted enough evidence existed for infringement and misappropriation, but not for the higher standard needed for punitive damages. The case has seen several trials and appeals, with the court highlighting the distinction between actual and punitive damages. The matter remains unresolved as the Harrises consider their legal options.