Proving that even things like dolls and video games can be serious business, Ubisoft won big today in their suit against MGA’s wrongful license contract termination.Greenberg Glusker announced that Ubisoft, its client, won a $13.2 million decision in a copyright and trademark infringement dispute against MGA Entertainment pertaining to the Bratz dolls license. While rejecting all of MGA’s claims, the court ruled that Ubisoft should receive $13 million to make up for lost profits damages, attorney’s fees and interest.
“We are thrilled with the result, and we feel completely vindicated,” said Ubisoft’s General Counsel Cecile Russeil. “We could not have achieved this outcome without attorneys who mastered every aspect of the case, and thoroughly understood our video gaming business.”
This litigation stems from an attempt in 2003 for MGA to terminate a license agreement they signed with Ubisoft in 2002, hoping to renegotiate on better terms. Ubisoft refused to back down and was eventually sued, resulting in a counter-suit where Ubi alleged that MGA’s termination of the license was invalid and a breach of contract.
“Our relationship with Ubisoft went far beyond the normal lawyer-client relationship,” said attorney Stephen Smith. “We effectively became an extension of our client, learning everything about Ubisoft’s business from its most senior management.”
“This arbitration was a textbook example of effective cooperation between an internal legal team and its outside counsel,” said lead Ubisoft in-house counsel Virginie Gringarten. “We are extremely pleased with the results.”
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