Freestyle group members feud lead to legal proceedings over trademark.

TKA is a Latin freestyle group who became successful in the music industry during the 1980’s and early 1990’s. The trio consisted of Louis “K7” Sharpe, Anthony Ortiz, and Ralph “Aby” Cruz. In the late 80’s, tensions between group members led to the dismissal of Ralph Cruz, who was later replaced by Angel Vasquez. Freestyle is a form of electronic dance music. It was extremely popular in cities with prominent Latin communities, such as New York City, Miami, and Chicago. To this day, fans of the genre consider TKA to be “Kings of Freestyle.”

Today, TKA still performs its music worldwide. However, instead of being one group, it’s now two groups. Louis Sharpe, the lead singer, performs under the name “TKA” with two men who were not original members of the group. In an interview, Sharpe said, “There are no kings of freestyle, only one, myself.” Per the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Louis Sharpe registered the trademark, “TKA” and listed himself the only owner of the mark. He did not include any of the original members of the group. Angel Vasquez, Anthony Ortiz, and Ralph Cruz also continue to perform shows under the name “TKA”. Through the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the three men have registered their own trademark: “The Original TKA.” They are currently fighting over the “TKA” trademark in court.

Both groups who use the trademark, “TKA” perform hit songs from three albums: Scars of Love, Louder than Love, and TKA’s Greatest Hits. The group had an agreement to split mechanical royalties at thirty three percent each way. While Louis Sharpe has received money for TKA’s musical compositions. The other original members have not received royalties that are owed to them. Per the United States Copyright Office, all original members who took part in creating musical compositions should receive royalties from all three albums.

In future legal proceedings the original three members, Vasquez, Cruz, and Ortiz hope prove unjust, and acquire the money that they are owed. Sharpe stands by the notion he is the only original member. As both groups continue to perform around the world.