Sports commentator Selwyn Melville has declared war on the T&T Football Association. The move follows a decision by the Association to file for trademark in the United States and Europe for the ownership of the ‘Soca Warriors’ brand.
The proceedings began under the Raymond Tim Kee-led football association but is being followed up by the TTFA, currently headed by David John-Williams. Yesterday calls to Tim Kee’s phone went unanswered while Joanne Salazar, third vice president of the present administration, did not respond to calls and voice messages.
Melville has since initiated legal action against the TTFA, confirming his legal team has written to the Association and is awaiting a response.
The Guardian understands the matter is currently logged at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) here in Trinidad but the IPO office is unable to give trademark to any party until the local courts decide on ownership.
Melville has been in a battle with the Association over the years, dating back to the Jack Warner era over the ownership of the ‘Soca Warriors’ name, which he claimed, was coined by him. John-Williams appointed a committee to meet with Melville and it was reported that the Association was considering either buying him out or rebranding.
Talks broke down after Melville reportedly requested a whopping $30 million for the use of the name.
In a release yesterday, Melville revealed that in June, the TTFA got an extension on their trademark request in the US as they needed to provide the authority with certain information. He noted the presentation to the US Trademark office was filled with information designed to open doors to Europe, and hinges particularly on their Trademark Proposal in the US.
Melville explained the European Application was already filed under the Tim Kee administration with hope that there will be benefits, if it succeeds under the present administration.
He noted it is also rumoured that FIFA had an arrangement with the Tim Kee-led administration to conduct a pilot project with merchandising Soca Warriors products. He said this was being done on the basis that the TTFA owned the brand and would introduce it in other countries. FIFA, he said, injected US$800,000 towards the project.
According to Melville, the world governing body for football later discovered that the brand did not belong to the TTFA and cancelled the investment.
He told the Guardian he felt betrayed, as the John-Williams led administration pretended to communicate with him under the disguise of a possible settlement, but had ulterior motives.
He is calling on Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, President Anthony Carmona, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Daryl Smith and Minister of Legal Affairs Stuart Young to intervene.