“Barbie Girl”: 12 Years Later The Subject Of A Lawsuit Becomes Mattel’s Marketing Tool

In 1997 Mattel Corp. sued one hit wonders Aqua for copyright infringement over their annoying yet catchy hit “Barbie Girl”.  The lawsui lasted until 2002 when the judge ruled in favor of the band.  Now 12 years later the song is being used to try to prop up the flagging brand.

The lyrics have, of course, been sanitized. Mattel replaced the original “You can brush my hair / Undress me everywhere,” with the meant to be inspirational “You can be a star / No matter who you are.”  But for the band, the checks coming in the mail must feel like sweet justice.