Intellectual Property Case for OMG Girlz Against MGA Entertainment Yields Major Win
Santa Ana, CA – September 24, 2024 – TIUA graduates Dr. Tameka “Tiny” Harris and Dr. Tanya Wiley-Brown, together with their legal team, are celebrating a landmark $71.5 million verdict following a high-stakes intellectual property lawsuit against MGA Entertainment. The case revolved around MGA’s unauthorized use of the OMG Girlz’s likeness in a series of dolls, leading the jury to award substantial damages.
Dr. Tameka “Tiny” Harris, co-founder and manager of the OMG Girlz, filed the lawsuit after discovering that MGA had produced dolls bearing a striking resemblance to the group’s signature style and image. The OMG Girlz—comprising Bahja Rodriguez, Breaunna Womack, and Zonnique Pullins (Harris’s daughter)—achieved widespread fame in the early 2010s with their bold fashion and vibrant personalities.
This jury verdict represents a crucial victory in the fight to protect intellectual property, particularly for artists whose likeness and brand identity are central to their success. The $71.5 million verdict highlights the seriousness of the infringement. The legal team was led by John Keville of the Sheppard Mullin Law Firm, supported by his legal team and B’Ivory LaMarr of The LaMarr Firm, along with Dr. Tanya Wiley-Brown and the WCP team.
About Dr. Tameka “Tiny” Harris:
Dr. Tameka “Tiny” Harris is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Best known as a member of the legendary R&B group Xscape, Harris also co-founded and managed the OMG Girlz, a trailblazing girl group that captured the hearts of fans in the early 2010s. With their unique style and bold creative vision, the OMG Girlz were instrumental in promoting young female empowerment. Beyond music, Harris has achieved notable success in business, making her a significant figure in entertainment and entrepreneurship.
Statement from Dr. Jacqueline Mohair, President and Founder of TIUA:
“As President and Founder of Trinity International University of Ambassadors, I am incredibly proud to have strong leaders like Tameka ‘Tiny’ Harris and Dr. Tanya Wiley-Brown as part of our community. The foundational principles of TIUA—faith, leadership, and service—are reflected in their remarkable achievements. When our graduates are blessed with success, we celebrate those victories alongside them. It is truly an honor to have individuals like Dr. Harris and Dr. Wiley-Brown represent the spirit and excellence of TIUA, and we are committed to continuing to uplift and support leaders of their caliber.”
About TIUA:
TIUA (Trinity International University of Ambassadors) is an esteemed institution dedicated to providing world-class education and leadership development to a global student body. Many of its alumni, including Dr. Tameka “Tiny” Harris and Dr. Tanya Wiley-Brown, have gone on to achieve excellence in various fields.
Dr. Tanya Wiley-Brown Statement:
“This victory is a testament to the power of resilience and standing firm in the face of adversity. As a leader, I am committed to empowering others to protect their intellectual property and honor their creative work. I am proud to stand beside Dr. Tameka ‘Tiny’ Harris and the entire legal team in this journey. Together, we have shown the importance of defending what is right. This win not only protects the legacy of OMG Girlz, but also inspires future generations to value and fight for their own creative expression.”
About WCP Communications & Consulting:
WCP Consulting & Communications, led by Dr. Tanya Wiley-Brown, specializes in strategic communications, public relations, and strategic business development, with a focus on legal practitioners and law firms. The agency has a track record of working with high-profile clients across various sectors to provide comprehensive legal strategy, PR and strategic marketing solutions.