Mattel gets $100 mln in Bratz case, wanted billions

RIVERSIDE, Calif (Reuters) - A California jury on Tuesday awarded Mattel Inc $100 million in damages in the copyright infringement case it brought against MGA Entertainment Inc over the Bratz doll franchise -- far short of the billions sought by Mattel.

The issue of whether MGA can continue to sell its flagship product will be decided at a later hearing by U.S. District Judge Stephen Larson, who presided over the trial.

The nine-member panel in Riverside, California, found that while MGA Chief Executive Isaac Larian and his company were liable for copyright infringement, the infringement was not willful, and the jury awarded no punitive damages.

Mattel shares dropped 3 percent in after-hours trade after news of the damages award became public. Mattel had asked the jury to award about $2 billion plus punitive damages.

MGA attorney Thomas Nolan said the verdict was "a clear message that (the jury) wants these parties to fight in the marketplace. We are disappointed that they awarded any damages, however, it is a rebuke to Mattel's aggressive and overreaching tactics."

Nolan said MGA would continue to sell Bratz dolls and accessories.

Mattel's lawyers could not be reached immediately for comment.

(Reporting by Gina Keating; Editing by Phil Berlowitz)