Latest news with #TammyTaylorNails
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Tammy Taylor franchisee who lost R5.8 million speaks out about Peet and Melany Viljoen
Although her lawyers are investigating, the franchisee says she 'learnt a lesson' after the Viljoens allegedly used her R5.8 million to move to Miami. A Tammy Taylor franchisee, who lost the R5.8 million she paid for two Tammy Taylor salons and a 30% stake in Tammy Taylor Global Franchising, says she had enough reason to 'get weird' when she went into business with the Viljoens. After the Pretoria High Court ordered Peet and Melany Viljoen to refund a franchisee R600 000 that she had paid for a Tammy Taylor salon that never materialised, the Viljoens left South Africa. According to videos posted to Melany's Facebook page, they are now living in Miami. The videos contain a barrage of racism as well as homophobic remarks, with Melany alleging that she was booted from her job selling bull bars because is not black, although she says she was very successful in her sales. Peet says he hates all black people in South Africa, while both of them are not shy to use swear words. He also complains about 'the media' not listening to their side of the story. He says all journalists are gay, and makes various nasty comments, such as 'I don't speak baboon', referring to black people, and 'I don't speak lesbian'. ALSO READ: Did the Viljoens leave Tammy Taylor Nails franchisees in the lurch? Viljoens have big plans in US after leaving local franchisees in the lurch Peet says he 'already has approval' to write his exams to practice as a lawyer in the United States (US). In South Africa, he was disbarred in 2011. The irony is that a US court ruled in June, just before they left South Africa for good, that they must pay the real Tammy Taylor R71 million ($4 million) for statutory damages caused by their use of her trademark and breach of contract. According to the judgment, the Viljoens tried to register the Tammy Taylor trademark as their own in 2021, in the US. In his first video from Miami, Peet says that Hantie Oosthuyzen, who paid R5.8 million for two salons and a stake in the business, became 'weird', and after they addressed the issue on WhatsApp, they did not hear from her again. This transaction was concluded in September, despite the Viljoens, according to Rapport, having already made plans —15 months prior — to move to the US. ALSO READ: Viljoens say Tammy Taylor will not get her R71 million [VIDEO] Franchisee lost R5.8 million Oosthuyzen told The Citizen that she used some of the investments she inherited after her husband passed away from cancer in 2022 to pay for the salons and her share in Tammy Taylor Global Franchising. Oosthuyzen has a minor child and still works in her profession, as she is now the breadwinner. Did she become 'weird', as Peet says? 'It is human nature to become weird when you are not paid for service rendered and when you do not get what you pay for, as well as not receiving dividends. You become weird when you are misled, and you receive false information.' She says she saw the Viljoens had no business ethics and that they instructed her to move the Tammy Taylor head office but then found out that the company was kicked out because the Viljoens did not pay the rent. Oosthuyzen says in addition, she found out that the stock was not insured, staff had no employment contracts and that no UIF was paid for them, while they were threatened and fired without due process. The Viljoens also allegedly dispensed liquor without a license, and the salons had no health and safety policy. After she started asking too many questions, the staff were instructed to record Oosthuyzen and her child and provoke her, she says. In addition, she saw racism and homophobia, while the Viljoens told lies about her and threatened her when they did communicate with her. ALSO READ: Did the Viljoens of Tammy Taylor-fame skip the country? Franchisee did not go into the Tammy Taylor agreement with Viljoens blind Did she do proper research before paying the Viljoens for the salons and the stake in the business? Oosthuyzen says she did her homework and even asked a chartered accountant to help her register the salons in Benoni and Bedfordview. 'We were especially interested in the manufacture and distribution of the products, as well as standardising the salons and marketing them, as it was clear that some were thriving while others battled and had to be sold. I also noticed there was a delay between buying a salon and the time it opened.' She says she also started noticing the negative publicity around the Viljoens, but when she asked about it, they had all kinds of excuses. 'Our dream was a small salon focused on quality instead of quantity, and I still believe this is a successful model in the industry. I definitely learnt a lesson, and there is no chance that I will do business with the Viljoens again.' Oosthuyzen says it was a dream for the Viljoens to live in the US. 'It is important to chase your dreams. We put a lot of emphasis on this in raising our child. However, the problem is that you should not reach your dreams to the detriment of others. This is where a moral compass and a good upbringing are important.' ALSO READ: Hawks investigating Peet and Melany Viljoen for fraud with Tammy Taylor franchises What would she like to say to the Viljoens? 'Dear Peet and Mel, here is my answer to your last WhatsApp: You will not understand! You do not know the terms ethical behaviour. We come from a long line of Afrikaners. Our forebears were poor when it came to property, but rich in ethics. 'Our style, class and built-in value system gave us a good reputation in the community where we lived. We did not buy this from Louis Vuitton, Gucci or Rolex. We respect each other in everything. We do not intimidate, harass and threaten each other. 'We also believe in our beautiful country, South Africa, a country with many cultures and races. Our rainbow country, where we work hard with our countrymen, where we want to stay and live in peace together. 'Good luck with your adventure, and we wish you pace and success.' ALSO READ: Tammy Taylor Nails franchise story goes horribly wrong for SA owners The Viljoens did not react to a request to comment on these allegations. If received, their answers will be added. More legal trouble for the Viljoens of Tammy Taylor fame? Adv M Razak, instructed by Ghirao Incorporated, is acting on Oosthuyzen's behalf and says investigations are underway to look for legal solutions. 'The crux of the matter is that she does not have anything to show for the money she paid – no salons and no shares. 'It appears that the Viljoens used the money to fund their lifestyle and sponsor their trip to Miami.' Meanwhile, the Viljoens posted a new video on Facebook where they invite white Afrikaans 'meisies' who were trained to do nails by Tammy Taylor in South Africa to apply for positions at one of their new salons in the US. Peet says in the video that, 'We can then sponsor you to come over.'
The South African
10-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
US court rules Peet and Melany Viljoen pay Tammy Taylor R71 million
A United States court has ruled that South African couple Peet and Melany Viljoen must pay $3.9 million (approximately R71 million) in statutory damages to Tammy Taylor, the American founder of Tammy Taylor Nails. The judgment was handed down by the Southern District of California, which also issued a permanent injunction banning the Viljoens from using the Tammy Taylor name, branding, or trademarks. The court has officially cancelled their US trademark registration and prohibited any future business activity affiliated with the brand. Taylor filed the lawsuit in April 2024, accusing the Viljoens of unauthorised use of her brand after their licensing agreement was terminated. The couple reportedly did not defend the case in court, allowing a default judgment to be entered. Taylor originally sought R390 million in lost profits, citing reputational damage and global brand confusion, but the court dismissed that portion due to insufficient evidence. The Viljoens have now been ordered to scrub all use of the Tammy Taylor name, including: Salon signage Websites Social media accounts The domain The ruling also requires that all public-facing material no longer imply any association with the original Tammy Taylor brand. The Viljoens' South African attorney, Hein Wiese, declined to comment on the judgment or confirm whether the pair remain in South Africa. The original Tammy Taylor has until 16 July to renew her motion for additional damages or to pursue trademark enforcement in South Africa. This case has drawn widespread attention in the beauty industry, particularly in South Africa, where the Tammy Taylor name has been heavily promoted under the Viljoens' franchise network in recent years. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
US court rules Viljoens must pay real Tammy Taylor R71 million
The US court also barred the Viljoens from using the Tammy Taylor name and logos as well as the products in their nail salons. A US court ruled in June that Peet and Melany Viljoen must pay the real Tammy Taylor R71 370 400 ($4 million) for statutory damages caused by their use of her trademark and breach of contract. However, the court denied her claim of $22 176 000 (R392 537 200) for lost profit because she did not prove the loss. Tammy Taylor, founder and owner of Tammy Taylor Nails in the US, announced on Instagram that she is suing the Viljoens and filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Southern District of California in April last year, accusing her former licensees of continuing to use her trademarks after the licence ended. ALSO READ: VIDEO: Tammy Taylor sues Melany and Peet Viljoen for $100 million Melany Viljoen's response to Tammy Taylor suing them Melany Viljoen then responded with her own video on Instagram, saying as soon as they started creating their own content, Taylor insisted that she stays the face of Tammy Taylor in South Africa. She insists in the video that they hold the legitimate registration and ownership of the Tammy Taylor name in South Africa. She says they have not rebranded because they invested too much in it. In September 2023 she said in a statement to The Citizen that Taylor intends a 'brutal takeover of the empire Melany Viljoen built'. This came after letters from Taylor's lawyer, James McQueen, instructed her to cease and desist from using the Tammy Taylor name as she is no longer a licensee or distributor of products. According to the default judgment in the US court, the Viljoens did not attend or defend the case. Judge Cynthia Bashant, Chief Judge of the United States District Court, ordered that Melany and Peet Viljoen's US Trademark Registration is cancelled and no longer registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office, making it null and void. ALSO READ: Did the Viljoens of Tammy Taylor-fame skip the country? Viljoens must stop using Tammy Taylor name and IP The court also entered a permanent injunction against the Viljoens and 'each of their officers, agents, servants, employees and attorneys and all others in active concert or participation with them who receive actual notice of this Order', saying they are not allowed to: directly or indirectly use and must immediately stop using the names 'Tammy Taylor' or 'Tammy Taylor Nails,' or TTN's oval double 'T' mark; operate or hold themselves or their nail care business out to the public or others as being sponsored by, approved by, affiliated with, authorised by, or connected with Tammy Taylor Nails or make any written or oral statement to this effect; offer for sale, solicit sales, advertise, or sell any products or services in any medium under any mark, name, symbol, logo, or other indicia that incorporates or is confusingly similar to 'Tammy Taylor' or 'Tammy Taylor Nails'; offer for sale, solicit sales, advertise, or sell any nail care products, services, or retail stores in any medium, under any mark, name, symbol, logo, or other indicia that is likely to cause confusion or deceive people to wrongly believe they their products or services originate from Tammy Taylor Nails, or that they are authorised or are endorsed or sponsored or connected in some way to Tammy Taylor Nails. ALSO READ: Real Tammy Taylor owns her trademark, not the Viljoens – expert Viljoens ordered to stop using any reference to Tammy Taylor The judge also ordered the Viljoens to contact any domain name registrar, social media website, such as Instagram or Facebook, to abandon all domain names or Instagram handles or Facebook profiles containing the words 'Tammy Taylor,' 'Tammy Taylor Nails,' or any of its trademarks, including the domain name The Viljoens must also remove or delete any reference to Tammy Taylor Nails or 'Tammy Taylor' from their social media, including from Instagram and Facebook. In addition, they must contact any internet service provider to purge any domain name server information from any website addresses which have been used to promote their previous connection with Tammy Taylor Nails and contact any search engines to delete references to their formerly Tammy Taylor Nails-connected nail care businesses. The Viljoens must also remove and destroy any signage in their possession containing the Tammy Taylor Nails name or trademarks and all existing printed materials, including business cards, stationery, envelopes, signs, advertisements, forms, contracts, promotional items and any other materials that identify the Viljoens or their nail care business as operating under the names 'Tammy Taylor' or 'Tammy Taylor Nails'. According to the judgment, Taylor could renew her motion for a default judgment regarding the South African trademark or her request for damages in the form of lost profits by 16 July. ALSO READ: Hawks investigating Peet and Melany Viljoen for fraud with Tammy Taylor franchises Tammy Taylor can still claim damages for lost profits Taylor claimed damages for lost profits as compensation for the Viljoens' trademark infringement as well as the breach of contract claims and calculated the damages to be $22 million because she argued that the Viljoens 'ran the agreed-upon franchises in South Africa so terribly that the destruction of the Tammy Taylor reputation reached around the world to the US and now Tammy Taylor Nails can no longer embark on its planned US-based franchising programme'. Therefore, Taylor wanted the Viljoens to pay for 'all the hypothetical profits of the first 10 years of this hypothetical programme, should it have launched in the US'. According to the judgment, Taylor introduced no evidence that any damage to the brand's reputation in the US would be so extensive to preclude all domestic franchising possibilities for the next 10 years. However, the court granted Taylor's request for the maximum in statutory damages of $4 million against the Viljoens for counterfeiting the US-registered trademarks. ALSO READ: Judge orders Viljoens to immediately stop using Tammy Taylor trademark We asked the Viljoens' lawyer, Hein Wiese, on Monday if he can confirm that the Viljoens have left the country and if they left him any instructions about what should happen to Tammy Taylor Global Franchising. Wiese was their lawyer in the most recent South African case where a woman sued them to get back the R600 000 she paid for a franchise that never materialised. In a reply to The Citizen's questions, he said he cannot confirm or deny that the Viljoens now live in the US because his office did not assist them in relocating. He also said he could not comment on any instructions received from Peet or Melany Viljoen as they are bound by attorney/client privilege. 'We do, however, distance ourselves from any racist comments made by Peet and/or Melany Viljoen and we were not aware of any participation by Peet and/or Melany Viljoen in any interview or recording.' The Citizen asked the Viljoens to confirm where they are and to comment on the US judgment, but received no response so far. Their comment will be added if received.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Court orders Viljoens to stop using Tammy Taylor trademark
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. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 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. IOL Llifestyle
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Judge orders Viljoens to immediately stop using Tammy Taylor trademark
Despite a court order and a lawsuit from the real Tammy Taylor over the unauthorised use of her name, the Viljoens continue to use it. When a judge recently ordered Peet and Melany Viljoen to immediately stop using the Tammy Taylor trademark, it was just another shot over the bow for the nail franchise after the US owner already took steps to sue them for $100 million for using her trademark after their license expired. Judge Joseph Raulinga ordered Tammy Taylor Global Franchising, as well as the Viljoens to 'immediately cease representing or holding out to the public that they have the legal authority and right to sell Tammy Taylor nail franchises in South Africa, without authorisation under the Trademarks Act' or any nail salon that incorporates or uses the Tammy Taylor name or trademarks. He ordered them 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 25 April. However, on 25 May they still used the Tammy Taylor name, after their lawyer informed the lawyer of the franchisee who sued them to get her money back, Lebohang Hlathuka, that they will appeal the judgment. ALSO READ: Tammy Taylor Global Franchising gets a big hiding in South African high court Real Tammy Taylor sues Viljoens for $100 million over name use The real Tammy Taylor, founder and owner of Tammy Taylor Nails in the US, said in April last year that she is suing Melany and Peet Viljoen for $100 million and filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Southern District of California, accusing her former licensees of continuing to use her trademarks after the licence ended. She also uploaded a video on her Instagram account the week before in which she said the Viljoens are illegally using her name to sell franchises, counterfeiting and selling her products, and using her logos and trademarks on all their social media platforms. She also said that the Viljoens threatened, harassed, and stalked her. In the video she alleged that 'from 2017 to 2022 Tammy Taylor, Inc. granted the Viljoen's the limited right to sell its nail products in Australia and Africa' but that this 'was terminated in 2022' and 'from 2018 to 2022, granted the Viljoen's the limited right to develop Tammy Taylor salons in Africa', but that this 'was terminated in 2021'. Melany Viljoen responded with three videos on TikTok, claiming that she and Peet 'own the legitimate registration and ownership of the Tammy Taylor name in South Africa'. ALSO READ: Tammy Taylor Nails told to stop using name as US company launches 'brutal takeover' Viljoens do not own the Tammy Taylor trademark, court hears The alleged unauthorised use of the real Tammy Taylor's name became part of Hlathuka's case after her legal team asked in their application for an order that the Viljoens be ordered to stop using the trademark because they do not own it. According to Hlathuka's court papers, the trademark register confirms that Tammy Taylor Inc., a California corporation in Santa Ana, is the registered owner of the Tammy Taylor South Africa trademark. Melany Viljoen also tried in February 2023 to register Tammy Taylor Global Franchising as a trademark and according to Hlathuka's court papers, the application will probably be refused because the Trademark Act provides that a mark must not be registered if it is identical to a registered trademark in the name of a different owner or if it is so similar to the registered one that it will deceive or cause confusion, unless the owner consents to it. ALSO READ: Tammy Taylor Nails: Did the Viljoens scam South African franchisees? Who owns the trademark? Experts weigh in Nishaat Slamdien, associate and John Foster, partner at law firm Spoor & Fisher, wrote in May last year that trademarks are territorial in nature and trademark rights are limited to the country where they have been used and/or registered, although there is an exception for trademarks found to be well-known. They say the Trademarks Act allows owners of well-known trademarks to prevent their use and registration in South Africa that are identical or are an imitation or translation of the well-known mark and are intended for use or registered regarding goods or services that the mark is well-known for and where the use is likely to cause confusion or deception. 'If the well-known trademark is also registered in South Africa, the owner of that mark can prevent its use if the use would be likely to take unfair advantage of or be detrimental to the distinctive character or the repute of the well-known mark, even when there is no likelihood of confusion or deception.' Slamdien and Foster say it appears that the trademark was registered in South Africa, as a search of the Trademarks Register shows that Tammy Taylor, Inc is the current owner of an application for registration and registrations for the trademark in South Africa. ALSO READ: Real Tammy Taylor owns her trademark, not the Viljoens – expert Melany Viljoen's trademark application assigned to real Tammy Taylor They point out that it seems that in 2016, Justsmart Mobile (Pty) Ltd, with Melany Viljoen as the sole director, sought to register the Tammy Taylor South Africa logo, but this application was subsequently assigned to Tammy Taylor US. In addition, they point out that Peet Viljoen said in a video on Instagram that 'transfer to the USA was denied', but that the Trademark Register revealed this was not the case. 'As the word mark was originally used under licence from the US company, it is questionable whether Justsmart had a good faith claim to ownership of the logos. 'As such, Justsmart might have been compelled to assign the applications for these logos to the US company.' Slamdien and Foster say that, from an intellectual property perspective, the owner of a registered trademark can rely on the Trademarks Act to prevent the unauthorised use of a trademark if it is likely to cause deception or confusion. ALSO READ: Tammy Taylor Nails: empty and broken promises What does this mean for the Viljoens? 'What this means for the Viljoens is that Tammy Taylor Inc. may be able to rely on its trademark registrations to prevent the Viljoens' use of it in South Africa.' Therefore, they say, Tammy Taylor Inc. would be able to:
