In 2001, the Bratz toys were meant to take on the monopoly of Mattel's Barbie, and actually looked like it would be worthy competition... until a US Federal Court Jury the other day found that Mattel conducted 'unfair business practices by engaging in corporate espionage at toy fairs and conspiring to keep Bratz products off retail shelves.'

The penalty was US$88 million... which is small change for Mattel, who already poured in millions into the 6 year legal battle.

I hate seeing large corporate entities crushing the little guys who don't have as much money or power behind them, but at least this time it looks like the little guy won out.