MGA Entertainment Inc.'s can continue to make and sell its Bratz dolls through 2009, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

The order filed in U.S. District Court by Judge Stephen Larson is in some way a victory for MGA which was ordered last year to stop making and selling the Bratz dolls after it was ruled they had been conceived by a designer at the time he had been working at Mattel, the maker of Barbie.

This stay gives assurance to our retailers and licensees that business is back to normal with Bratz for 2009, and that all Bratz products may continue to be sold throughout the calendar year, said Isaac Larian MGA Chief Executive, according to the Associated Press.

However, the federal judge left open the chance that MGA's dolls could also be marketed by either Mattel or a court-appointed receiver if the judge awards them rights to the Bratz products.

In 2004 Mattel sued MGA over Bratz. The case developed until a federal jury found the Bratz designer, Carter Bryant developed the doll while working for Mattel. The jury granted Mattel $10 million for copyright infringement plus $90 million for breach of contract.

Mattel was pleased that the jury left open the decision of whether Mattel, MGA or a court-appointed receiver will be providing Bratz products during 2009, the company said in a statement.