The use of the name 'Lismore Lantern Parade' is being discussed with lawyers as a fight continues between Jyllie Jackson CEO/Creative Director of LightnUp Inc and her team and colourful character and Mayoral candidate Big Rob.

Five days ago Big Rob registered a business called Lismore Lantern Parade with ASIC, it is listed as an Australian Private Company.

On that same day at 1:40pm Big Rob sent a message to LightnUp Inc asking that they 'stop using the name 'Lismore Lantern Parade'. "You don't own the business name, and it is an offence to operate under a business name that is not registered."

Later that day, LightnUp Inc replied saying "The fact that you have registered this name gives you no intellectual rights or derogates from our rights to continue using that name. "

Big Rob has been using social media to criticise Jyllie Jackson and LightnUp Inc for taking the iconic event into the Lismore Showgrounds and charging a fee to be part of this year's parade.

Ms Jackson told the Lismore App "Big Rob is being vexatious. We have used the name Lismore Lantern Parade for the past 26 years, it is an event name like the Melbourne Cup. Our registered trading name is LightnUp Inc which is our legal entity."

"We have historical, intellectual and moral rights to continue to use the name Lismore Lantern Parade."

“I can’t see his point other than to cause trouble”, I cannot see any rationale," Ms Jackson added.

"Legally we cannot go back to the CBD due to the COVID-19 Health Orders. Crowd control and people's safety are the main issues. We looked at all other possible options, Oakes Oval is under renovation, it is a building site and so is Crozier Field."

In defence of charging the public to be part of the 2021 Lismore Lantern Parade Ms Jackson said there are a lot of extra costs this year to do an event in a COVID safe way.

"There are ticket scanners, COVID Marshalls, security and other associated costs that need to be covered. So, in return, we wanted to put on a more fulfilling experience for people by putting on a full-day family Festival including the Regen Expo which is fully sponsored as well as our iconic Lantern Parade, the Fiery Finale and the Market DeLight. We want to provide excellent value for money."

When asked about future Lismore Lantern Parades, Ms Jackson said, "We will look at all options in the future. Whatever we can do we will do in the CBD, and this year we have a CBD activation event planned for the 10th of June."

"We will always do our best to create a memorable experience and special event for our community as we have always done in the past."

The Lismore App rang Big Rob to ask why he has registered the business name Lismore Lantern Parade and criticised LightnUp Inc for the move to the Lismore Showground and received the following statement, "You guys are fake news and will never portray me accurately in any story so no comment."

We now wait and see where the Lismore Lantern Parade name saga ends.