Toy company Mattel, Inc. – owner of famous toy lines such as Hot Wheels, Fisher Price, and Barbie – recently brought suit against Rap Snacks based on its rollout of “BARBIE-QUE” chips, done in collaboration with rapper Nicki Minaj. Based on the lawsuit filed in the Central District of California, Mattel alleges that consumers are likely to be confused and to create a false association between Mattel’s BARBIE line of products, and Rap Snacks’s BARBIE-QUE chips, particularly due to stylized BARBIE logo and pink product packaging (shown below). Mattel asserts causes of action for federal trademark infringement, unfair competition, and dilution, as well as an unfair competition claim under California state law. Rap Snacks has not yet responded or otherwise entered an appearance in the case.
