In, Carter Bryant v. Mattel Inc., (Case No. 2:04CV9049 C.D. Cal.), the court decided that the jury would hear testimony that the defendant Carter Bryant used a software program entitled "Evidence Eliminator."   Bryant and his former employer MGA Entertainment are accused of infringing Mattel's copyright for its highly successful Barbie doll line.  Bryant is the creator of the popular Bratz dolls.  Mattel alleges that the concept for the doll came while Bryant worked for Mattel in 2000.  Bryant settled with Mattel, but MGA is contesting the allegations during an ongoing federal jury trial in Riverside, California.

Earlier this week, the judge ruled that the jury could hear evidence regarding Bryant's use of "Evidence Eliminator." Mattel alleges that Bryant used the software program to destroy potentially relevant computer files. Bryant apparently loaded the program on his computer prior to turning it over to Mattel investigators.