Mattel Sued Over Fairy Toys Concept

Mattel Inc. has been accused of stealing the concept for fairy-based toys for its Cabbage Patch dolls from an animation group, Gunther-Wahl Productions Inc.

Gunther-Wahl said it pitched its “Flutter Faeries” television show and toy line to Mattel in 1993. Mattel passed on the idea and kept copies of the materials, the company said in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Gunther-Wahl claimed that Mattel in 2000 released a series of Cabbage Patch Butterfly Fairies and Garden Fairies dolls that incorporated “significant elements” of the “Flutter Faeries” idea. It seeks unspecified damages.

A Mattel spokeswoman said the company doesn’t comment on pending litigation.

Shares of the El Segundo-based toy maker rose 24 cents to $19.04 on the New York Stock Exchange.