'Ol' pirates yes they rob I, sold I to the merchant ships....' BOB MARLEY
In a shocking development, while the organizers of the Jamaica Reggae Film Festival have been waiting since October 2011 on the promise of a contract from a British organization to bring the event to London for the Olympics and Jamaica 50 celebrations, the England-based organizers have instead pirated the Reggae Film Festival concept, booked reggae films directly and designed a new logo that advertises the Reggae Film Festival as part of a British event that competes with the official Jamaica 50 celebrations being held at the O2 Arena.
I am reblogging this article from local film-maker Barbara Blake Hannah, and I am really disturbed by this. I am not an expert on intellectual property rights. But is this another example of the Jamaican "brand" being hijacked? Your comments, queries and input would be welcomed.
Interesting dilemma. If the facts are as presented (no reason to think they’re not), I’d sue for breach of contract. I believe that in English Law a verbal agreement is as valid as a written contract. They should certainly be seeking legal advice at the very least.
Yes Jack, I agree. Some legal advice is needed. I will pass this on – contract does not have to be written, does it? Our legal system is very close to the British one. Thanks.