Dec 1, 2009

Aurora World, Inc. Files Lawsuit Targeting Beanie Baby Maker Ty, Inc.

Pico Rivera, CA. – Aurora World, Inc., one of the world’s leading plush toy and gift manufacturers, today announced that it has filed a lawsuit in federal court against Ty, Inc. for copyright infringement and four other violations in regards to Aurora’s best selling plush line, YooHoo & Friends™. In the lawsuit, 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’s law firm, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, has filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to be heard on December 14th in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. A jury trial has been demanded.

Aurora’s YooHoo & Friends™ were created and based from endangered animals to help educate children and collectors about endangered species and their natural habitats. Aurora officially introduced the fluffy, big-eyed and whimsical plush animals in the United States around July of 2006. Since then, the line has expanded to include various sizes and themes, with more than 50 SKUs available at retail heading into 2010.

Aurora’s papers in support of its motion for a preliminary injunction include images comparing certain YooHoo & Friends™ characters with Beanie Boos™ characters and argue that the Beanie Boos™ are strikingly similar imitations of the YooHoo & Friends™ characters. Based on these similarities, Aurora contends that “Ty’s unlawful imitations of the YooHoo & Friends products and blatant infringement are damaging Aurora, not only by causing actual confusion and likelihood of confusion in the marketplace… but also by diminishing the value of the YooHoo & Friends products by diluting their distinct and unique nature and erroneously associating them with Ty rather than Aurora.”

About Aurora
Aurora World, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high quality, competitively priced plush toys and gifts. Aurora’s name reflects its extensive product lines and growing influence in the worldwide marketplace, as well as its international manufacturing, R&D and distribution resources. Founded in 1992, the U.S. company has ascended quickly to become a respected leader in the world’s toy and gift industry. Aurora created one of the nation’s best selling plush lines – YooHoo & Friends™ – and its corresponding free, interactive web site (www.yoohoofriends.com), appealing to young children and tweens alike. The company sells its products via a wide variety of retailers including major zoos, high-end toy stores such as Learning Express, top gift chains such as Hallmark and Claire’s as well as hospital gift shops, fine florists, candy stores and gift/stationery stores worldwide.