Mutya Buena applies for Sugababes ownership

Ex-Sugababes member Mutya Buena has applied to own the group's name, it has been confirmed.

The star, who left the girlband in 2005, has appealed to the European Trademarks Authority for permission, BBC News reports.

Buena recently complained that the name no longer makes sense because none of the original members now remain in the lineup.

Buena said at the time: "It just means the Sugababes have ended because there are no original people remaining."

It is understood that Kilburn and Strode, the firm that has put forward the application, is "hopeful" that registration will be accepted in the next few months.

Sugababes currently consist of Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah and Jade Ewen.