Sugababes battle to keep name

The Sugababes have begun fighting a legal battle over ownership of the group's name.

Earlier this year, it was reported that former band member Mutya Buena had applied to the European Trademarks Authority for ownership of the band's moniker.

The present lineup have now filed a notice of opposition to Buena's claim, along with their record label Island Records.

Current member Heidi Range has previously stated that the record company owns the name.

In a letter to the EU Trademarks Authority, Universal's Island Records wrote that the "similarity of the goods and services" provided by Buena would mean there would be "a likelihood of confusion on the part of the public".

If her application is successful, it would mean that she could use the Sugababes name on goods such as CDs, DVDs and books.

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