Beanie Babies Spoof Leads to Federal Suit

Ty Inc., maker of the popular Beanie Babies stuffed toys, filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday to stop another company from mocking the product by printing “Beanie Ford Clinic” on T-shirts and mugs.

Westmont, Ill.-based Ty wants Laid Back Enterprises Inc. to stop making novelty gifts that depict several Beanie Babies with the slogan “Beanie Ford Clinic” and a 12-step list to help a fan kick the Beanie buying habit.

Although the toys usually sell for about $5 apiece, some have sold for as much as $1,000 to collectors on the Beanie secondary market, according to the suit.

Ty is also seeking damages for an unspecified amount of money the gifts earned Laid Back, as well as unspecified punitive damages equal to at least three times Ty’s actual damages.

Oklahoma City-based Laid Back could not be reached for comment late Wednesday.