November
10 Mattel: Death to Bratz!

There's always been something inherently offensive about the Bratz line -- something to do with selling pre-prepubescents a toy that struts and preens like a Pussycat Doll -- but my disdain has nothing on Mattel's. The Barbie doll manufacturer wants "all Bratz products impounded and destroyed" as the next step in its $100 million copyright infringement lawsuit. In August, a federal jury ruled that Bratz designer Carter Bryant "came up with the edgy concept while working for Mattel. The same jury later awarded Mattel $10 million for copyright infringement and $90 million for breach of contract." However, Bratz manufacturer MGA Entertainment says it no longer produces the first-generation dolls and should be allowed to continue selling its more than 40 Bratz characters and spinoffs. Lionsgate released "Bratz: The Movie" last year as the launch of a would-be franchise; however, it earned less than $10 million. [AP]