Mattel Inc sued Rap Snacks in federal court in Los Angeles on Thursday, alleging that its Nicki Minaj-branded “Barbie-Que Honey Truffle” potato chips infringe on Mattel’s trademark rights in the renowned Barbie doll.

Rap Snacks Inc was never granted permission to use Mattel’s trademarks, according to Mattel. The toy manufacturer requested a court injunction prohibiting Rap Snacks from using the “Barbie” moniker, as well as monetary penalties, including proceeds from “Barbie-Que” sales.

Mattel did not respond to the claim. Rap Snacks did not reply to a request for comment on Friday.

Minaj is not one of the defendants in the case. Her record label, Universal Music, did not respond to an inquiry about the complaint.

The rapper has long used “Barbie” as part of her character, and in 2011, she teamed with Mattel of El Segundo, California, on a charity doll.

Rap Snacks, established in Miami, has collaborated with various notable rappers to create signature lines of snacks, such as Snoop Dogg’s O.G. Bar-B-Que Cheddar potato chips. Mattel claimed in court that Rap Snacks’ Minaj-branded “Barbie-Que” chips, which were introduced in June, cause customer confusion and a false link with the “Barbie” brand.

“The association is so evident that upon seeing the packaging, representatives for Defendant’s celebrity partner queried whether Rap Snacks had obtained permission from Mattel,” the lawsuit said. “Indeed, Rap Snacks never requested or received any such permission.”

Mattel also stated that it distributes its own snack items under the “Barbie” brand, which raises the possibility of mistake. Rap Snacks, according to the corporation, refused to stop using the name or “address the misimpressions it imposed on the public,” so it sued “as a last resort.”

Mattel Inc v. Rap Snacks Inc, No. 2:22-cv-05702, U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

(Adapted from Latestly.com)