Aurora World Says Ty's Beanie Boos Copy YooHoo & Friends
Posted on December 1, 2009
Aurora World announced that it has filed a federal lawsuit against Ty, Inc. for copyright infringement and four other violations in regards to Aurora's YooHoo & Friends plush toy line. Aurora's YooHoo & Friends are pictured on the left and Ty's Beanie Boos are pictured on the right. Aurora alleges that Ty's Beanie Boos plush line infringes on YooHoo & Friends. The lawsuit also alleges claims against Ty based on violations of the Lanham Act and California Business and Professions Code, as well as common law misappropriation and unfair competition.
Aurora says its YooHoo & Friends were created based on endangered animals to help educate children and collectors about endangered species and their natural habitats. Aurora ntroduced the plush animals in the United States around July of 2006. The line has expanded to include various sizes and themes, with more than 50 YooHoo and Friends available heading into 2010.