PopHeads

For many, it’s impossible to think about Barbie — or the upcoming Barbie movie — without also thinking about the hit song “Barbie Girl.” The single, released by Danish-Norwegian band Aqua in 1997, quickly became a global success — being described as both a masterpiece and the most annoying tune ever made.

What is less well known is that Barbie maker Mattel tried to sue the band over the song.…

After years of legal tennis, the case eventually made it to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, where Judge Alex Kozinski wrote in his legal opinion, “If this were a sci-fi melodrama, it might be called Speech-Zilla meets Trademark Kong.”

On a more serious note, Kozinski ruled in favor of MCA, noting that the song was parody and therefore protected by the First Amendment. But he concluded his opinion with the memorable line, “The parties are advised to chill.”