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Verdict Looms in Under-the-Radar Case That Pits a Hollywood Producer Vs. Mattel Over Theft Claim

On Friday, a jury will decide if producer Norton Herrick lost out on millions when Mattel allegedly stole the idea that became 'The Toy Box.'

For the past 10 weeks, a Hollywood producer has faced off against a studio in a Santa Monica courtroom stemming from a civil case that has caused barely a news ripple. In his initial complaint, Herrick claimed he brought a project to Mattel in June 2014 called “Playmakers,” which revolved around contestants pitching their toys to child judges and winning prize money. In a 2011 case involving the Bratz doll line, a jury found that Mattel had stolen trade secrets from a California start-up, MGA Entertainment, which was awarded nearly $90 million.

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