A Co Antrim barrister who helped a 90s dance music artist regain control of her band’s name and branding has said he hopes the case will encourage other artists who find themselves in similar legal situations.
Pupil barrister Anthony Miller, who now lives in Staffordshire, helped singer Tameko Star regain control of the chart-topping ‘Livin’ Joy’ brand — a successful dance act that she became the face of from 1996 onwards.
The case was brought before the Intellectual Property Office Tribunal after Tameko discovered that another UK-based act had registered the Livin’ Joy name and performed across the country under that identity.
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The US-born singer became the frontwoman of the group following the departure of Janice Robinson, who was known for singing Livin’ Joy’s biggest song and only UK number one single, Dreamer.
Tameko would go on to provide the vocals on the group’s follow-up hits such as Don’t Stop Movin’, Follow the Rules, and Where Can I Find Love.
In recent years, another performer had been using the group’s branding and name “without authorisation, misleading audiences and capitalising on the group’s legacy”.
Mr Miller, who is a senior legal consultant with Liberandi Legal Consultancy, expressed his delight at the outcome of the case, which restored the brand’s ownership to Tameko Star.
“My hat is off to Tameko who has remained steadfast and determined to put things right and take back control of her own brand and talent,” he said.
“Today is a wonderful day for Tameko and I hope a word of encouragement for all artists who may find themselves in a similar position.”
Tameko added that she wanted to express her “deepest gratitude” to Mr Miller for “his guidance, input, and unwavering support throughout this entire ordeal”.
