The Pretoria High Court orders the Viljoens to stop using the trademark amidst ongoing franchise controversies.
Image: File picture
Johannesburg businesswoman, Lebohang Hlathuka, has emerged victorious in her legal battle against Tammy Taylor Global Franchising.
The Pretoria High Court recently ruled in her favour after she accused Peet and Melany Viljoen of misrepresenting themselves and fraudulently selling her a Tammy Taylor nail salon franchise.
Judge Joseph Raulinga presided over the matter and delivered a ruling, ordering the Viljoens to cease all use of the Tammy Taylor trademark.
This development is the latest blow to the embattled franchise, which is already facing a $100 million lawsuit from the brand’s original owner in the United States for continued use of the trademark after the termination of their licence.
Court ruling
In his judgment, Judge Raulinga instructed both Tammy Taylor Global Franchising and the Viljoens to remove all references to ‘Tammy Taylor’ from their websites, stationery, forms, marketing material, salon products and social media platforms within 30 days from the date of the order, which was on April 25.
This order also extends to any nail salons that make use of the Tammy Taylor name or associated trademarks.
Additionally, the court ordered the removal of all references to the brand from their websites, promotional materials, stationery, products, forms, and social media platforms.
Despite the court’s order, the South African website for Tammy Taylor remains active and continues to advertise franchises and products under the Tammy Taylor name.
The Viljoens’ legal team has since notified Hlathuka’s legal representative of their intention to appeal the ruling.
This is not the first time the couple has come under scrutiny. Over the years, they have faced multiple accusations of fraudulent franchise dealings. Melany Viljoen has previously spoken out about her deteriorating relationship with Tammy Taylor, the American founder and owner of Tammy Taylor Nails.
In April 2023, Tammy Taylor filed a $100 million lawsuit against the Viljoens in the US District Court for the Southern District of California. The lawsuit claims the couple continued using her brand and trademarks unlawfully after their licensing agreement expired.
Melany Viljoen has responded to criticism through social media, including a series of TikTok videos in 2024, in which she claimed to have collaborated with Tammy Taylor early on.
According to her, the US brand had only 20 nail polish shades and no salon presence at the time they partnered. Viljoen said she helped develop the brand in South Africa with ambitions to eventually create her own line, “Melany’s”.
However, legal documents reportedly confirm that the Tammy Taylor name and products remain the intellectual property of the US-based owner.
Viljoen claims that product manufacturing is handled by EssChem, a separate supplier; she has vowed to continue fighting for what she considers her business and legacy.
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