Musicians who worked with Marley have spent years in litigation

High Court judge Mr Justice Laddie refused an application by Universal-Island Records and UMG Recordings to have the claim struck out as an abuse of process of the courts.

Aston said he had a partnership agreement with Marley, plus copyright in six songs and royalties from recording contracts in 1974 and 1975.

During the 1970s Marley recorded some of his biggest-selling records including Natty Dread, Exodus and Babylon by Bus.

Marley did not leave a will after his death

The bass player is also claiming on behalf of his drummer brother Carlton, who was murdered in 1986.

Universal-Island Records and UMG Recordings had tried to claim that all the former band members agreed to monetary settlements in 1994 to end any further litigation.

Marley died from cancer at the age of 36 without making a will.

Musicians who worked with him have been involved in courtroom claims since his death.

A settlement was reached in 1994 between various members of the Wailers and record companies following years of litigation in Jamaica, the US and Britain.

No date was set for the trial.