A federal judge in Los Angeles has ruled that former Temptations member Dennis Edwards, his manager, and the Majestic Ventura Theatre (MVT) in Ventura, Calif., violated terms of a 1998 permanent injunction that forbids the singer from publicly performing under the Temptations name, Billboard Bulletin reports. The judge ruled Monday that Edwards violated the order, citing shows at MVT, as well as in New York, Las Vegas, and Columbia, S.C.
Under the ruling, Edwards and MVT must pay legal fees incurred by original Temptations member Otis Williams and the estate of member Melvin Franklin -- up to $100,000 and $20,000, respectively. They filed a trademark-infringement suit against Edwards in September 1996. In addition, Edwards must issue copies of the injunction order to all promoters, venues, and advertisers for future performances.
"Dennis kept pushing the outside of the envelope too far in using the name," says Temptations attorney Howard King. He says the ruling against MVT was unusual but warranted because, "we'd made an effort to make sure that all venues knew about the [injunction]." Calls to Edwards' attorney were not returned.
Under the ruling, Edwards and MVT must pay legal fees incurred by original Temptations member Otis Williams and the estate of member Melvin Franklin -- up to $100,000 and $20,000, respectively. They filed a trademark-infringement suit against Edwards in September 1996. In addition, Edwards must issue copies of the injunction order to all promoters, venues, and advertisers for future performances.
"Dennis kept pushing the outside of the envelope too far in using the name," says Temptations attorney Howard King. He says the ruling against MVT was unusual but warranted because, "we'd made an effort to make sure that all venues knew about the [injunction]." Calls to Edwards' attorney were not returned.
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