KINGSTON, Jamaica (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Lawyers for Live Nation have reportedly sent a letter to Jamaican jazz musician Seretse Small, requesting that he stop using the phrase "Live Music Nation" in connection with performances produced by his company, Griot Music.
According to the Jamaica Observer, the letter was sent to Griot Music from the law firm Livingston, Alexander & Levy. Livingston, Alexander and Levy declined to comment on the matter, citing client confidentiality but did say that while the letter was not court-issued, it did represent their position and intent.
Small expressed surprise at the turn of events, telling the Observer that "I don't really see how they are justified…Live Music Nation is not competing with them." According to Small, the choice in name was to promote the idea that Jamaica was a live music destination.
"As far as I know Live Nation has no presence here," Small said of his similarly named legal rivals "I can understand if I was operating in New York. But here hardly anybody knows of Live Nation."
Small had been hosting approximately 5 shows a week from last August to December, but has since put his performances on hiatus, due in part to the increasingly challenging economic landscape.
"I contracted my lawyer and we are looking at it. There is concern because they are a big company and they have ability to drag it out for a long time, if needs be. I don't really have those type of resources. But we are looking at it." Smalls said, when asked about his legal options. He added that he'd much rather develop a business relationship with Live Nation than a legal one. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
