Firm Sues Mattel Over Reading-Toy Patent

A privately held Tennessee-based toy company is suing Mattel Inc. and its Fisher-Price Inc. unit for allegedly violating its patent on technology used in Mattel’s Winnie the Pooh reading toy. General Creation claimed ownership of a patent for reading toys that provide page-by-page audio interpretation of accompanying books. General Creation said the technology covered by the patent is integral to its line of interactive plush toys. The lawsuit was filed Monday in federal court in Greeneville, Tenn. A Mattel spokeswoman declined to comment. Shares of El Segundo-based Mattel rose 38 cents to $10.56 on the New York Stock Exchange.