Nicki Minaj – Rap Snacks Sued For Trademark Infringement By Mattel Over ‘Barbie-Que’ Named Chip, Claims Rap Snacks Did Not Ask Nor Receive Permission To Use Barbie Trademark

Nicki Minaj – Rap Snacks Sued For Trademark Infringement By Mattel Over ‘Barbie-Que’ Named Chip, Claims Rap Snacks Did Not Ask Nor Receive Permission To Use Barbie Trademark

Toy company Mattel, owners of the famed Barbie doll, is taking legal action against Nicki Minaj’s recently released chip brand.

According to reports, the doll making company claims that growing snack and merchandise company Rap Snacks illegally used their Barbie trademark for the rappers chip line. Back in June of this year, international rap star Nicki Minaj announced she was launching a potato chip collab with the snack company, co-owned by Master P, which included a chip flavor named “Barbie-Que Honey Truffle“. In the suit Mattel claims the name causes too much confusion for consumers, and is asking a court to issue a ban on the use of the name.

Nicki Minaj

Detailing Rap Snacks alleged infringement, the lawsuit reads:

“Mattel encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to talk about and share their Barbie experiences, and to celebrate their enthusiasm for Barbie. Occasionally, however, some put profits ahead of play and seek commercial gain by manufacturing, promoting and selling Barbie-branded products without Mattel’s permission….This is such a case.”

It continues:

“Rap Snacks made the deliberate and calculated choice to launch a new product line using Mattel’s famous BARBIE trademark. That choice, made without any prior notice to Mattel, was unlawful.”

Reportedly, Mattel alleges that Rap Snacks never asked nor received permission for the use of their Barbie trademark. Though Minaj often goes by the persona “Barbie”, and even previously collaborated with the toy makers on a charity doll in her likeness, Mattel believes her recent chip launch is misleading. The toy company claims the line falsely associates the snack with the Barbie brand, who also sells a line of snacks.

Nicki Minaj x Barbie Collab Doll

The suit reads:

“The association is so evident that upon seeing the packaging, representatives for Defendant’s celebrity partner queried whether Rap Snacks had obtained permission from Mattel….Indeed, Rap Snacks never requested or received any such permission.”

The “Super Freaky Girl” rapper does not appear as a defendant on the case. Additionally, the Barbie owners claim that they made multiple attempts to settle the matter with Rap Snacks directly. However, Mattel alleges the snack company has been unresponsive, forcing them to pursue legal action.

In addition to a ban on the continual use of the Barbie name, Mattel is reportedly also seeking money damages, including profits from “Barbie-Que” sales. Rap Snacks has since seemingly removed the chip line, as it is no longer advertised on their website.

Neither Minaj, Master P, nor Rap Snacks have publicly commented on the case at this time.

[VIA]

What are your thoughts on Mattel’s suit against Rap Snacks? Leave them in the comments!