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Post by DrTemptation "Doc T" on Oct 30, 2007 15:36:31 GMT -5
 It should be interesting to see what comes of this? In a lawsuit filed on Friday, Williams alleges that he is the only person with rights to the name "The Temptations," but Glenn Leonard, Ali Woodson and Barrington Henderson -- former members of the group -- have been performing under the name "Legendary Lead Singers of the Temptations" and/or "The Temptations Reunion Show" since 2004. Williams claims they are infringing upon his ownership of the name -- and that by accepting lesser billing at certain shows, they are hurting his reputation. He also claims that they are accepting fees "considerably lower" than the standard fees charged by Williams for performances by the Temptations. According to court documents, Williams is also suing managers who worked with the "Legendary Lead Singers of the Temptations," as well as venues which promoted them. He claims that advertising used to promote the band was deceiving and hurt his ability to work as the Temptations. Williams is seeking the maximum amount of damages under the law, as well as interest on all damages awarded, legal fees, and -- get this! -- any properties and assets obtained by the profits of the defendants' infringing activity. Get ready, cause here he comes! SBE Entertainment, one of the defendants in the case, had no comment. Another defendant, Nick Scully, had not seen the lawsuit and could not comment. Attempts to contact Glenn Leonard, Ali Woodson, Barrington Henderson and the other defendants named in the case were unsuccessful.
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Post by maria on Oct 30, 2007 18:02:45 GMT -5
It should be interesting to see what comes of this? In a lawsuit filed on Friday, Williams alleges that he is the only person with rights to the name "The Temptations," but Glenn Leonard, Ali Woodson and Barrington Henderson -- former members of the group -- have been performing under the name "Legendary Lead Singers of the Temptations" and/or "The Temptations Reunion Show" since 2004. Williams claims they are infringing upon his ownership of the name -- and that by accepting lesser billing at certain shows, they are hurting his reputation. He also claims that they are accepting fees "considerably lower" than the standard fees charged by Williams for performances by the Temptations. According to court documents, Williams is also suing managers who worked with the "Legendary Lead Singers of the Temptations," as well as venues which promoted them. He claims that advertising used to promote the band was deceiving and hurt his ability to work as the Temptations. Williams is seeking the maximum amount of damages under the law, as well as interest on all damages awarded, legal fees, and -- get this! -- any properties and assets obtained by the profits of the defendants' infringing activity. Get ready, cause here he comes! SBE Entertainment, one of the defendants in the case, had no comment. Another defendant, Nick Scully, had not seen the lawsuit and could not comment. Attempts to contact Glenn Leonard, Ali Woodson, Barrington Henderson and the other defendants named in the case were unsuccessful. Make sure you keep us informed  |
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Post by janebse on Oct 30, 2007 20:30:43 GMT -5
Everyone seeks to protect his name. Johnny Carson would sue anyone who used a picture of him without his permission. You draw a Disney cartoon, and WOW! Disney is there with the lawyers. Yet, if you ask permission to use a Disney cartoon and have a legitmate reason (not making money off it), then Disney may send you a copy of the cartoon. Michael Jordan's lawyers immediately went after the Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas which advertised "Michael Jordan got married here." This is legitmate business and legal. Sometimes your name is what brings in the customers. And those places do abuse the Temptations, advertising them, showing their pictures and what shows up are has beens or copycats.
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Post by ramzy on Oct 30, 2007 21:51:08 GMT -5
It should be interesting to see what comes of this? In a lawsuit filed on Friday, Williams alleges that he is the only person with rights to the name "The Temptations," but Glenn Leonard, Ali Woodson and Barrington Henderson -- former members of the group -- have been performing under the name "Legendary Lead Singers of the Temptations" and/or "The Temptations Reunion Show" since 2004. Williams claims they are infringing upon his ownership of the name -- and that by accepting lesser billing at certain shows, they are hurting his reputation. He also claims that they are accepting fees "considerably lower" than the standard fees charged by Williams for performances by the Temptations. According to court documents, Williams is also suing managers who worked with the "Legendary Lead Singers of the Temptations," as well as venues which promoted them. He claims that advertising used to promote the band was deceiving and hurt his ability to work as the Temptations. Williams is seeking the maximum amount of damages under the law, as well as interest on all damages awarded, legal fees, and -- get this! -- any properties and assets obtained by the profits of the defendants' infringing activity. Get ready, cause here he comes! SBE Entertainment, one of the defendants in the case, had no comment. Another defendant, Nick Scully, had not seen the lawsuit and could not comment. Attempts to contact Glenn Leonard, Ali Woodson, Barrington Henderson and the other defendants named in the case were unsuccessful. Because he was an original Tempt he claims ownership of the name. And perhaps he was awarded the rights by the court. But honestly sharing my opinion ( and I admit to having a few) Otis knows hes got a watered down very mediocre group of wannabes. Theres no current Tempt that can match the vocal prowess of Ali Wood or Bo. Ron who never had the real goods has lost what limited ability he had. Terry is still weak Bruce Almighty he aint , Otis blames everyone elses egoes while he does whatever the heck he wants to do with the group. Joe Im sorry good doggone basss singer but gets no press. The point of it all is that if there hadnt been so many Ex Tempts we wouldnt be reading this message. Otis those guys have invested as much of themselves as you have and in terms of vocal contributions, more. Sue all you want O but truth is this your mess, you made your bed hard. Fact is I am now of the mind that the Tempts made it inspite of Otis rather than because of Otis. |
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Post by AnnaK on Oct 31, 2007 0:46:31 GMT -5
... "Fact is I am now of the mind that the Tempts made it inspite of Otis rather than because of Otis."
Yours is a completely fresh approach to the subject ... never would have viewed it in that light. Interesting.
Fact is, though, that if O. says "No mo'e Tempts at all!" there won't be any Tempts left. Basta! The name and all that goes with it belongs to him. On the other hand, he will not profit from the right to the name, if he has no one left willing to join him. He alone won't be The Temptations either.
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Post by Beej on Oct 31, 2007 5:16:53 GMT -5
Because he was an original Tempt he claims ownership of the name. No. The name "The Temptations" has been a registered trademark since 1966. It's been the sole property of Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin (now, "the estate of David English") since 1976. As with any registered trademark, no one is permitted to use the name without the express consent of the title holder(s). In 1999, Dennis Edwards was forced to pay damages and permanently barred from using the name "The Temptations" -- or anything so similar that it might confuse audiences -- as the result of a 1996 lawsuit filed against him by Otis and representatives of Melvin's estate. One of the names he was attempting to use at the time was "Dennis Edwards, Lead Singer for the Legendary Temptations"...not remarkably different from the one Glenn, Ollie and Bo have reportedly been performing under. In that same ruling, Dennis was granted permission to use his own name in conjunction with "The Temptations Review," as it was not deemed to be egregiously misleading. Precedence is on Otis' side here...and, barring a settlement, he will win. Theres no current Tempt that can match the vocal prowess of Ali Wood or Bo. That may very well be, but it certainly doesn't entitle them to infringe upon Otis and Melvin's lawful and rightful ownership of the Temptations brand. Otis those guys have invested as much of themselves as you have and in terms of vocal contributions, more... Really? Who else has been a part of every song ever recorded by the Temptations? Only one person in the history of mankind has been a member of the group since day one. No one has personally invested more of himself to keep the group's legacy going all these years...certainly not those three. Whether someone is a fan of the man, his abilities or his current assortment of Tempts has no bearing on Otis Williams' personal involvement in the group's historic achievements or his current legal standing with regard to this lawsuit. Like it or not, he's as responsible for "the Temptations sound" as anyone...and he's the only living person with rightful claim to the Temptations name. Fact is I am now of the mind that the Tempts made it inspite of Otis... You're certainly not the first person to state that viewpoint...and, quite frankly, it's as idiotic today as it was the first time I read it on a message board. |
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Post by Gua on Oct 31, 2007 8:40:52 GMT -5
... "Fact is I am now of the mind that the Tempts made it inspite of Otis rather than because of Otis." This is a totally ridiculous statement.  |
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Post by Gua on Oct 31, 2007 8:52:41 GMT -5
Because he was an original Tempt he claims ownership of the name. No. The name "The Temptations" has been a registered trademark since 1966. It's been the sole property of Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin (now, "the estate of David English") since 1976. As with any registered trademark, no one is permitted to use the name without the express consent of the title holder(s). In 1999, Dennis Edwards was forced to pay damages and permanently barred from using the name "The Temptations" -- or anything so similar that it might confuse audiences -- as the result of a 1996 lawsuit filed against him by Otis and representatives of Melvin's estate. One of the names he was attempting to use at the time was "Dennis Edwards, Lead Singer for the Legendary Temptations"...not remarkably different from the one Glenn, Ollie and Bo have reportedly been performing under. In that same ruling, Dennis was granted permission to use his own name in conjunction with "The Temptations Review," as it was not deemed to be egregiously misleading. Precedence is on Otis' side here...and, barring a settlement, he will win. That may very well be, but it certainly doesn't entitle them to infringe upon Otis and Melvin's lawful and rightful ownership of the Temptations brand. Really? Who else has been a part of every song ever recorded by the Temptations? Only one person in the history of mankind has been a member of the group since day one. No one has personally invested more of himself to keep the group's legacy going all these years...certainly not those three. Whether someone is a fan of the man, his abilities or his current assortment of Tempts has no bearing on Otis Williams' personal involvement in the group's historic achievements or his current legal standing with regard to this lawsuit. Like it or not, he's as responsible for "the Temptations sound" as anyone...and he's the only living person with rightful claim to the Temptations name. Fact is I am now of the mind that the Tempts made it inspite of Otis... You're certainly not the first person to state that viewpoint...and, quite frankly, it's as idiotic today as it was the first time I read it on a message board. I agree but I have a question I thought that Motown owned the name and Otis and Mel's estate had exclusive rights to use it. Didn't Otis also sue Mel's wife about allowing Richard Street to use the name?? and in that lawsuit it was revealed that Motown actually owned the name?? |
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Post by ramzy on Oct 31, 2007 18:33:45 GMT -5
Well I think my whole point has been missed. Yes Otis as been on every song the Tempts have done. No other living person can say that whoopty doo. Right and wrong very often go beyond the letter of the law. This being one those such cases. Dennis Edwards, Glenn Leonard, Ali Woodson are indeed in every way Legendary lead singers of the Temptations they poured heart and soul into the group just like Otis. But fact is that nobody listen to the tempts bcuz thay were managed well ( supposedly) but they listen bcuz they liked the song and the singers. Those guys have the right to be proud of what they accomplished and have every right to broadcast their history. One thing I believe to be true is that Otis Williams aint make no Temptations and it could have been done without him but take away Eddie or David or Paul or Dennis or Ali or Glenn or Bo and you end up with that pitiful rendition out their parading themselves around now. Why is it the ex Tempts for all their so called ego problems get along just fine with each other it just couldnt be that getting along with O is quite the task huh? Camt speak for anyone else but I would pay more to see the other splinter groups than I would to see O and the boys. The Tempts without David Ruffin......., well you know the quote
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Post by DC on Oct 31, 2007 20:45:36 GMT -5
Well I think my whole point has been missed. Yes Otis as been on every song the Tempts have done. No other living person can say that whoopty doo. Right and wrong very often go beyond the letter of the law. This being one those such cases. Dennis Edwards, Glenn Leonard, Ali Woodson are indeed in every way Legendary lead singers of the Temptations they poured heart and soul into the group just like Otis. But fact is that nobody listen to the tempts bcuz thay were managed well ( supposedly) but they listen bcuz they liked the song and the singers. Those guys have the right to be proud of what they accomplished and have every right to broadcast their history. One thing I believe to be true is that Otis Williams aint make no Temptations and it could have been done without him but take away Eddie or David or Paul or Dennis or Ali or Glenn or Bo and you end up with that pitiful rendition out their parading themselves around now. Why is it the ex Tempts for all their so called ego problems get along just fine with each other it just couldnt be that getting along with O is quite the task huh? Camt speak for anyone else but I would pay more to see the other splinter groups than I would to see O and the boys. The Tempts without David Ruffin......., well you know the quote Thats the million dollar question im glad you brought it up. Ive noticed that when ex-Tempts make their own group or join another things seem to go smooth. Dennis's group, Ali's group etc.. Even Theo. He's been with the 4 tops for quite some time now since Levi got sick. Things seem to be going fine for the 4 tops and Theo. I haven't heard of any problems they've had with him. But like you said when you're a Tempt something always goes wrong. But I do think that Otis's most likely lets power go to his head. Otis deserves respect for being a Temptations for so many years, but that doesn't mean he's more important than the other members. If thats the case he needs to go solo. If you're in a group each member should be equally important in theory. But with the Tempts thats obviously not the case. |
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Post by AnnaK on Oct 31, 2007 20:59:29 GMT -5
"But fact is that nobody listen to the tempts bcuz thay were managed well ( supposedly) but they listen bcuz they liked the song and the singers. Those guys have the right to be proud of what they accomplished and have every right to broadcast their history. ..."
Good points, ((ramzy)). I think too that there is no reason why they should not be able to at least state the fact that the once were members of the Temptations -- and lead singers on top of it.
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Post by Beej on Nov 1, 2007 11:52:28 GMT -5
I thought that Motown owned the name and Otis and Mel's estate had exclusive rights to use it. Didn't Otis also sue Mel's wife about allowing Richard Street to use the name?? and in that lawsuit it was revealed that Motown actually owned the name?? Hey, Gua...long time, no see... I'm not familiar enough with that case to say with any certainty. My understanding is that Esther Gordy (Edwards) was the one who applied for the trademark rights (on behalf of Motown, I assume) to the name "The Temptations" back in 1966. As part of Motown's unsuccessful attempt to keep the Tempts in the stable, those rights were signed over to Otis and Melvin in 1976. You raise an interesting point, though. Was ownership of the trademark signed over (called assignment in legal jargon) or was there simply a written agreement granting Otis and Melvin exclusivity on the name without any actual transfer of ownership? Otis' characterization of the matter in The Temptations appears to suggest the latter. Quote: "We fought, and Motown eventually relented and reversed the rights to our name to Melvin and me. [Motown executive] Lee Young, Jr., signed a special document to that effect, which I took home, framed, and still have hanging up in my house."Well done, Mr. Gua. Well I think my whole point has been missed. Yes Otis has been on every song the Tempts have done. No other living person can say that whoopty doo. No, your point was understood perfectly. It was just a very lousy point. Regardless of who sang lead on what hits, who has a better voice or who gave the most of themselves to the group, there is this little thing called trademark law that prohibits people from infringing on the property and commercial rights of others. Dennis Edwards, Glenn Leonard, Ali Woodson are indeed in every way Legendary lead singers of the Temptations... That's your opinion and you're entitled to it. I think "legendary" is a bit of a stretch, but I'll accept your characterization for the sake of argument. In no way, shape or form does their self-adulating "legendary" status permit them to subvert trademark law or entitle them to use the "Temptations" name for profit without consent. That name is registered to someone else and they can't use it in a manner that might potentially confuse consumers or damage the integrity of the brand simply because they were once members of the group or sang lead on a hit song or two. People who follow THE Temptations know that they're getting Otis Williams, Ron Tyson and three interchangeable brothers. They know the history of the group and they have no expectation of seeing David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams or Melvin Franklin on stage. Maybe you don't like what they've become. Maybe I don't like what they've become. Maybe a lot of people don't like what they've become...but it doesn't matter. When you see THE Temptations, you know you're getting an original member...someone who was there every step of the way -- with David, Eddie, Paul and Melvin -- and someone who sang on all their classic hits. For a lot of people, that's enough. If Dennis, Glenn, Ollie and Bo were, indeed, "legendary" talents, then they shouldn't need to use the Temptations name -- or sing Temptations songs originally recorded by David or Eddie -- to sell tickets. Why don't the last three call themselves something completely different and record new material? Unlike Dennis, they can still sing. That would generate big news in the R&B/Soul community...much bigger than where Otis' Temptations are performing next. It seems they'd rather take the easiest path to a quick buck by capitalizing on the Temptations' name, nostalgia and classic hits. Why is it the ex Tempts for all their so called ego problems get along just fine with each other it just couldnt be that getting along with O is quite the task huh? There are several reasons. Perhaps, being kicked out of the group was a wake up call of sorts that put those egos in check and forced them to change their ways. Then again -- for most people -- with age come maturity and humility. Having record company after record company slam the door in your face when you're looking for a second (or third) chance at success can bring people back to reality pretty fast. Sometimes, it's a simple matter of finances. They all need the money and know they can't earn it on their own...so they put up with one another just enough to get paid. My understanding, though, is that ego wasn't as much the issue as "substance" in many of these cases. More than one of these ex-Tempts drank, snorted or smoked his way out the door. I think too that there is no reason why they should not be able to at least state the fact that the once were members of the Temptations -- and lead singers on top of it. They can...just not in an egregious or misleading manner. Let's face it, the only people who could've realistically gotten away with calling themselves the "Legendary Lead Singers of the Temptations" were David, Eddie, Paul and Dennis. Even then, there's a legal case to be made. These three have no defense. As much as I praise Ollie Woodson as being one of the three best singers to ever pass through the Temptations fraternity, in no way did he established himself as a "legendary" member of the group. Only the HOF Tempts are worthy of such a lofty distinction. |
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Post by smooth on Nov 1, 2007 12:19:53 GMT -5
Because he was an original Tempt he claims ownership of the name. No. The name "The Temptations" has been a registered trademark since 1966. It's been the sole property of Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin (now, "the estate of David English") since 1976. As with any registered trademark, no one is permitted to use the name without the express consent of the title holder(s). In 1999, Dennis Edwards was forced to pay damages and permanently barred from using the name "The Temptations" -- or anything so similar that it might confuse audiences -- as the result of a 1996 lawsuit filed against him by Otis and representatives of Melvin's estate. One of the names he was attempting to use at the time was "Dennis Edwards, Lead Singer for the Legendary Temptations"...not remarkably different from the one Glenn, Ollie and Bo have reportedly been performing under. In that same ruling, Dennis was granted permission to use his own name in conjunction with "The Temptations Review," as it was not deemed to be egregiously misleading. Precedence is on Otis' side here...and, barring a settlement, he will win. That may very well be, but it certainly doesn't entitle them to infringe upon Otis and Melvin's lawful and rightful ownership of the Temptations brand. Really? Who else has been a part of every song ever recorded by the Temptations? Only one person in the history of mankind has been a member of the group since day one. No one has personally invested more of himself to keep the group's legacy going all these years...certainly not those three. Whether someone is a fan of the man, his abilities or his current assortment of Tempts has no bearing on Otis Williams' personal involvement in the group's historic achievements or his current legal standing with regard to this lawsuit. Like it or not, he's as responsible for "the Temptations sound" as anyone...and he's the only living person with rightful claim to the Temptations name. Fact is I am now of the mind that the Tempts made it inspite of Otis... You're certainly not the first person to state that viewpoint...and, quite frankly, it's as idiotic today as it was the first time I read it on a message board. I never thought I'd say this, but you're right. But I would like to add that if there was no Otis there would be no Temptations, so there's no way it could've been done without him, because then there would be no group at all. |
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Post by otisann1955 on Nov 1, 2007 12:26:29 GMT -5
This is so true ex temptations has come here to Bakersfield they do it all the time. Most people do not know the different
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Post by smooth on Nov 1, 2007 12:36:06 GMT -5
Well I think my whole point has been missed. Yes Otis as been on every song the Tempts have done. No other living person can say that whoopty doo. Right and wrong very often go beyond the letter of the law. This being one those such cases. Dennis Edwards, Glenn Leonard, Ali Woodson are indeed in every way Legendary lead singers of the Temptations they poured heart and soul into the group just like Otis. But fact is that nobody listen to the tempts bcuz thay were managed well ( supposedly) but they listen bcuz they liked the song and the singers. Those guys have the right to be proud of what they accomplished and have every right to broadcast their history. One thing I believe to be true is that Otis Williams aint make no Temptations and it could have been done without him but take away Eddie or David or Paul or Dennis or Ali or Glenn or Bo and you end up with that pitiful rendition out their parading themselves around now. Why is it the ex Tempts for all their so called ego problems get along just fine with each other it just couldnt be that getting along with O is quite the task huh? Camt speak for anyone else but I would pay more to see the other splinter groups than I would to see O and the boys. The Tempts without David Ruffin......., well you know the quote Thats the million dollar question im glad you brought it up. Ive noticed that when ex-Tempts make their own group or join another things seem to go smooth. Dennis's group, Ali's group etc.. Even Theo. He's been with the 4 tops for quite some time now since Levi got sick. Things seem to be going fine for the 4 tops and Theo. I haven't heard of any problems they've had with him. But like you said when you're a Tempt something always goes wrong. But I do think that Otis's most likely lets power go to his head. Otis deserves respect for being a Temptations for so many years, but that doesn't mean he's more important than the other members. If thats the case he needs to go solo. If you're in a group each member should be equally important in theory. But with the Tempts thats obviously not the case. Some of those ex-tempts wouldn't have been ex-tempts if they put the group first, Otis has always been about the group.If Ruffin got fired for missing shows, then he wasn't putting the group first, If Eddie went solo because he wanted to do his own thing on the side or because he wasn't feeling their new material at the time, he wasn't putting the group first. This is why things didn't go smooth, because everybody wasn't putting the group first. Didn't Theo leave on his own or was he fired, and wasn't Ali doing the same thing that David and Dennis had done before him, if the things that have been reported are true, it's easy to understand why these guys were ex-tempts, because it comes a time when the group will self-destruct if changes aren't made. So I can't put the blame on Otis. And another thing if it wasn't for Otis, the Tempts would've died a long time ago, because if he had decided to stop singing after Eddie and Paul left,there would be no Temptations music from 1971-2007, that's 36 years without Temptations songs. Now, my favorite line-up is the C5, but I must admit, the Tempts have some beautiful love songs between the period of 1971-2007. And it's great because us as Tempts fans have a huge variety and some of us have our own favorite lineups. Now I know some people don't listen to the music made after the c5 or after the departure of Eddie and Paul, but for those of us who do, we have such a variety to choose from, it's nice to be able to say that I can listen to the Tempts from the 60's,70's,80's,90's and all the way up until today, some people have no choice but to stay in the 60's,like most of The Supremes fans I know they basically have no choice but to stay in the 60's and early 70's, if they make it that far, but The Temptations fans have a huge variety to choose from. |
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