Just when it appeared the dust had settled in the Sugababes saga, it is being reported that ALL of the group’s original members have launched High Court action to secure the rights to the ‘Sugababes’ name.
According to Holy Moly, Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena, and Siobhan Donaghy have jointly applied to the European Trademark Authority, seeking ownership to the group’s name. Shockingly, the ‘Sugababes’ name had reportedly never been trademarked, which has allowed the case to proceed.
Buena initially filed the application back in November last year, 2 months after Buchanan was booted. Yet yesterday, the application was amended to include both Keisha and Siobhan.
If their case is successful (which insiders say is ‘likely’), the trio would be able use the name for, among other things, CDs and advertisements in Europe. They would also be able to perform and record under the name. Although the latter is unlikely in light of Buchanan’s solo deal and personal differences between Donaghy and the other members.
Worse still for the current line-up, who will undoubtedly have to change their name should they lose, their legal team have only until May 8th to officially file opposition. Ouch.
Check out scans of the legal files below!
There’s little else to be said other than….let the battle begin! Granted I’m sure there are intricate details and procedures which could drag on for a while, I know which side I’m rooting for. I mean, watching the current line-up performing the group’s older material (material which neither Amelle or Jade were even in the group for) just a few minutes before this story broke, really made my stomach turn. Peep their recent live spin on ‘Ugly’ and ‘Round Round’ after the jump…