Melissa Anderson

After an 8-year legal battle in the United States, Barbie manufacturer Mattel has abandoned its copyright claim over the Bratz dolls, made by rival company MGA. 

The High Court has rejected EMI’s application to appeal against the finding that the classic Australian song, “Down Under” by Men at Work, copied bars from the tune of another well-known Australian ditty, “Kookaburra sits in the Old Gum Tree”. 

No it’s not an acrimonious custody dispute between parents – but the long-running battle between toy behemoth Mattel and rival MGA Entertainment over the successful Bratz fashion dolls has culminated in a decisive victory for MGA.

Following the release of the government’s report on the Digital Economy, the Communications minister, Stephen Conroy, has indicated that the government is seriously considering the introduction of a three strikes policy to deter illegal downloaders.