He's not dreaming! Antrim barrister wins legal victory for 90s pop star

Anthony Miller originally from Antrim, and now living in Staffordshire, in the West Midlands of England, is no stranger to the press; having enjoyed an onscreen media career as a ‘Celebrity Wedding Planner’, and one half of ‘Ant and Dick Tv Wedding Experts’.

He regularly appeared on BBC1 Northern Ireland and BBC Radio Ulster after his series with SKY TV (Wedding TV) was sold around the world.

Anthony says he is pleased to have assisted international pop sensation Livin’ joy’s Tameko star win back her brand in the Intellectual Property Office Tribunal.

The Pupil barrister and broadcaster recently caught the attention of the public after sharing his late adult diagnosis of ADHD.

He was expelled from St Malachy’s and failed his GCSEs.

Now, Anthony embraces his neurodiversity and was selected to be a Celebrity Ambassador for the ‘Darkness into Light Campaign.’

Anthony, a Lord Denning Scholar who has been called to the bar, by The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, Anthony’s Inn of court, is a Senior Legal Consultant at Liberandi Legal Consultancy, advising UK clients on commercial contract and employment matters.

After a prolonged and arduous legal battle, Tameko Star, the acclaimed vocalist famously associated with 1990s dance-phenomenon Livin’ Joy has emerged victorious in her challenge against a UK-based impostor who had registered the “Livin’ Joy” brand and been performing across the UK in the name of the act.

Livin’ Joy emerged in 1994 as an Italian-produced Euro-dance outfit, originally fronted by American vocalist Janice Robinson, who recorded their breakthrough hit “Dreamer.”

After Robinson’s departure in 1996, Tameko Star took up the mantle as voice and face of Livin’ Joy, leading the act on their gold- and platinum-selling singles such as “Don’t Stop Movin’,” “Follow the Rules” and “Where Can I Find Love.”

In recent years, however, Tameko discovered that a third party had registered the Livin’ Joy name for UK performances and had been touring under that brand, claiming to represent the legacy of the 1990s dance group, and thereby misleading live audiences.

Determined that the authenticity and legacy of her work be protected, Tameko launched formal proceedings before the IPO-Tribunal to reclaim her rights and prevent ongoing brand misuse.

After gathering evidence that the registration of the Livin’ Joy trading name by the impostor lacked legitimate connection to the original group’s spirit, performing roster and creative rights, the IPO Tribunal found in Tameko’s favour.

The respondent, Luzahnn Taylor, ultimately ceased her claim to the brand, following significant evidence from Tameko; paving the way to restore the official Livin’ Joy brand to its rightful steward.

Taylor, who held the trademark under her company listed on companies House as ‘Livin JoyZ Ltd’, Leicester, England has applied for voluntary strike off of her company according to the company listing on Companies house.

With this victory, Tameko is now free to reclaim her crown as a principal player in the 1990s dance-music royalty circle.

She will once again be booking and performing under the true Livin’ Joy banner, offering audiences the authentic voice and energy that defined the genre’s heyday.

According to Tameko’s own website:

“Livin’ Joy’s Tameko Star the real Livin’ Joy sets the stage on fire singing smash hits from the Livin’ Joy album.

“Her powerhouse vocals and high energy performance will leave audiences breathless and begging for more!”

“For fans who may previously have seen the brand mis-represented, this announcement offers full clarity: the original voice of the major hits is back where she belongs.”

Tameko is not merely reclaiming past glory she is also actively creating new music and building her live show catalogue.

Still, Tameko continues to write and produce her own music. Her latest single, ‘Something Beautiful,’ a Livin’ Joy-inspired track, is available on all digital platforms, signalling an exciting new chapter for this resilient star.”

With the trademark dispute behind her, Tameko is now poised to recommit to her legacy, live performances and new material and to ensure the real Livin’ Joy brand shines with integrity and authenticity.

Anthony said: “Having interviewed Tameko and Janice for my ‘Anthony Meets’ celebrity interview series, which is something I enjoy when my head is not buried in legal paperwork; I was appalled to discover what had been happening.

“My legal career is in its infancy and intellectual Property law was not something I had any experience of. I was pleased to lend my support where I could and help in any way possible.”

“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. 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.”

“Ms Taylor was using the brand of Livin’ Joy despite having never had any connection to it whatsoever.

He said that the legal challenge was on the passing herself off as Livin’ Joy; to prove passing off, three elements must be established:

A claimant must have goodwill or reputation in their business; the defendant must have made a misrepresentation that deceives the public into believing the goods or services are associated with the claimant; and this misrepresentation must be likely to cause damage to the claimant's goodwill.”

Mr Miller continued: “There was absolutely no way, as far as I could see, that Ms Taylor could authentically lay any claim to the brand and was indeed passing herself of as Livin’ Joy to the detriment of Tameko and fans alike.

“Ms Taylor did put up a fight but eventually, after bundles of evidence and filings of the same, she conceded by offering no further evidence.”

Tameko star said: “I want to express my deepest gratitude to Anthony Miller for his guidance, input, and unwavering support throughout this entire ordeal.

“His loyalty, honesty, and heart to help right what he knew was flat-out wrong meant the world to me.”

“I’ve spent years hearing from fans who felt short-changed when they turned up to a show billed as Livin’ Joy and didn’t see or hear the voice they knew and loved. That ends now,”

“The impostor Luzahnn Taylor not only stole the brand but actively ensured that I lost opportunity to perform my own music, standing in my own legacy, and giving the fans of Livin’ joy the value of their ticket.

“Such was her brazen disregard for my career; she actually threatened promotors with legal action and even tried to charge me and promotors for using my own name.”

“Thanks to the IPO Tribunal for recognising the importance of protecting artist legacy. I’m thrilled to get back to doing what I was born to do- bringing joy to dance floors.”

Anthony Miller originally from Antrim entered ‘media’ as a teenager when signed as a model.

He worked as a model and dancer, before getting ahead of the game as Civil Partnerships launched in the UK. Alongside his business partner and co-presenter Richard Jones, Anthony became a well-known face on television and was often touring the UK appearing in front of audiences at large arenas including Belfast’s Odyssey Arena, as well as guesting on tv and radio shows and writing for several titles across the world.