Judge may toss Bratz antitrust suit

SANTA ANA, Calif. -- A federal judge said Tuesday that he might toss an antitrust lawsuit MGA Entertainment filed against Mattel Inc. in the latest spat between the two toy makers battling for supremacy in the fashion doll market.

U.S. District Judge David O. Carter issued a tentative ruling dismissing the suit, saying it was based on the same facts as prior litigation that awarded MGA nearly $310 million. Carter said he would probably let MGA refile for any alleged anti-competitive conduct that occurred since August 2010.

The judge cautioned, however, that he has been known to change his mind about 20 percent of the time after hearing oral arguments, and he took the case under consideration after the companies' lawyers argued their points Tuesday.

MGA, which makes the pouty-lipped Bratz dolls, filed its antitrust suit against Mattel, which makes Barbie, in February.

Mattel, which had originally sued MGA over the Bratz dolls, is appealing the $310 million verdict. -- AP