LoopTT - BY: Laura Dowrich-Phillips
Full Blown Entertaiment has failed in its lawsuit against radio DJ and singer Devon Matthews.
The hit-songwriting unit, comprising brothers Korey and Kevon Hart, took Matthews, producer Anson Soverall and Red 96.7 FM to court over the intellectual property rights of a 2013 song called "No Worries” written by Akeem "Preedy" Chance and sung by Devon Matthews, a singer and DJ on Red 96.7 FM.
They contended that they composed the song “No Worries” in October 2013 and accused Matthews of stealing the song a year later.
But High Court judge Frank Seepersad disagreed with Full Blown, dismissing the case.
On the use of the words the Judge said: "There is or can be no original skill, labour or originality of thought associated with the said words "wine with no worries" and it cannot be said the said words originated with the claimaints."
Full Blown relied on evidence submitted by international producer Dexter Simmons on the similarity of the music used in the songs while Matthews employed producer Martin "Mice" Raymond to counter-argue.
The Court found that there were no substantial similarities in relation to the lyrics, melody and/or the delivery of the respective performances with respect to how the words "no worries" were sung.
Though Full Blown was not successful, the Court applauded them for taking the initiative to use the court to determine a matter of intellectual property.
"Intellectual Property sensitisation and the protection it offers, is of paramount importance as artistes have a level of protection. They have security in knowing the spoils of their creativity can manifest into tangible benefits that can endure well beyond a Carnival season. The protection afforded enables creators and innovators to harvest the fruits of their creativity. In the case of copyright, the protection afforded requires no registration or incurrence of antecedent costs.
"An appreciation and awareness of intellectual property matters can also serve to dissuade artists from merely copying melodies and lyrics from Africa and India cognizant that such activity can be met by the institution, even across continents, of legal action," the judge said.
The judge also dismissed a counterclaim from the defendants for defamation.
The claimants were ordered to pay costs for the defendants.
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