Update on Sugababes name Battle

Sugababes - Battle of the Bands
4 March 2010

Sugababes - Battle of the Bands


Former Sugababes member Mutya Buena has applied to the European Trade Mark Office (OHIM) for an EU trade mark registration for the term 'Sugababes'.


The applicaition was made on 19 November 2009 and if no oppositions are raised, the mark will be registered on 08 May 2010.


However it is surely likely that the management company behind the current 'Sugababes' will seek to oppose this application. If not then Mutya Buena will own the rights to the term.


It is believed that Heidi Range stated that the management company behind Sugababes 'owns the name' however no such registration appears on the UK or EU database.


This is likely to lead to a protracted dispute with arguments over unregistered rights and goodwill becoming central.


Jody Tsigarides is a Solicitor who specialises in IP law.


jody.tsigarides@lawdit.co.uk