Mattel sues X-rated Barbie site

NEW YORK -- Mattel Inc. sued an Internet company on Tuesday seeking redress for the undress of women on an adult entertainment site using the Barbie trademark name.

Mattel sued Internet Dimensions Inc. in Manhattan federal court hoping to stop the Las Vegas company from using the Internet site address www.barbiesplaypen.com. It also seeks unspecified damages.

The world's largest toy, game and doll manufacturer said in the suit that is has sold more than one billion Barbie dolls since 1959 and that it exerts great efforts to preserve the image of its Barbie products.

It owns numerous trademarks for an assortment of such dolls including Barbie for President and Dr. Barbie and related clothing, furniture including playsets, cosmetics and other items.

Mattel said that X-rated Internet site could damage its reputation by leading individuals to believe the adult entertainment is being sponsored by the toy company.

The site, which prominently displays the words "Barbie's" and "Barbie's Play Pen," invites users to become members with a suggestive photo and promises of "hot sexual party games" and "live sex feeds."