Mistrial sought in lawsuit over Bratz dolls

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) - A lawyer for the maker of Bratz dolls sought a mistrial Friday in a copyright infringement case brought by Mattel Inc. after a juror was dismissed for allegedly making racial slurs. The federal judge in the closely watched intellectual property dispute halted the presentation of evidence for the day while he questioned jurors about the comments, said attorney Thomas Nolan, who represents MGA Entertainment Inc., the maker of Bratz. The judge then set a hearing for Aug. 4 to consider arguments to "determine whether or not the trial should proceed," Nolan said. Unless a mistrial is declared that day, the jury will return Aug. 5. The trial is now in recess because of scheduling conflicts. The dismissed juror made the remark about MGA chief executive Isaac Larian during jury deliberations in the first... [read full story]