‘Tribute’ firm pledges not to use Riverdance name in shows in Russia and Baltic states

A Co Kerry music producer has told the High Court he will not use the name of Riverdance or Riverdance Tribute Show in promotions planned for Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania in October and November.

Counsel for Michael Carr and his company Ceol Chiarrai Teoranta said he also undertook not to use Riverdance names or trademarks in any business letter headings, websites or advertising material promoting Irish dance and music shows in these countries.

Barrister Brian Kennelly said Moya Doherty and John McColgan’s Riverdance and Abhann Productions were willing to accept the defendants’ consent to a court order granting the restraining injunctions they sought.

During the High Court application Mr Justice Paul McDermott was told that Abhann Productions was in a “robust” situation and able to meet its undertaking as to damages should Mr Carr win his case.

He was told that to the years ended 30th June, 2010, and 30th June, 2011, the company had turnovers of €28.398 million and €13.059 million respectively, and profits of €1.355 million and €5.961 million. Riverdance was an intellectual property holding company and as such had not returned a profit.

Mr Justice McDermott had been asked for injunctions restraining the staging of “illicit unauthorised” Riverdance shows by Carr, his company or agents on his behalf. He had been told the trademark name Riverdance had been used without licence or authority in the promotion of Riverdance tribute shows in cities in Russia and the Baltic countries concerned.

Mr Kennelly told the court that Mr Carr, of Balconrey, Co Kerry, and his Ballybunion-based firm had used copyright images copied from the official Riverdance website.

Mr Justice McDermott made the restraining orders pending a full trial.