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Mattel Inc. v. MCA Records Inc.

Mattel Inc. v. MCA Records Inc. was a legal case where Mattel, the toy company known for Barbie, sued MCA Records for their song "Barbie Girl." Mattel claimed the song misused its trademark and harmed its brand image. However, the court ruled in favor of MCA Records, stating that the song was a parody and protected under free speech. The court emphasized that the song did not cause confusion about Barbie products and that creative expression should be allowed. This case highlighted the balance between trademark protection and artistic freedom.

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  • Image for Mattel Inc. v. MCA Records Inc.

    Mattel, Inc. v. MCA Records, Inc. was a legal case in which Mattel, the toy company known for Barbie dolls, sued MCA Records over the song "Barbie Girl" by Aqua. Mattel argued that the song misrepresented Barbie and harmed its brand. However, the court ruled in favor of MCA, stating that the song was a parody and therefore protected under the First Amendment as free speech. This case highlighted the balance between copyright protections and artistic expression, emphasizing how creative works can comment on or reference trademarked products without necessarily infringing on those trademarks.