One Direction groups settle trademark dispute

One Direction has settled a trademark dispute with a U.S. band using the same name.

The deal will allow the UK group–formed on reality show “The X Factor” two years ago–to keep their title and brings the legal dispute to an end.

Under the terms of the agreement, the U.S. rockers will now be known as Uncharted Shores–the title of one of their two albums.

Originally, the U.S. outfit, which claimed to have been using the name first, was looking for £600,000 in damages plus a share of profits and wanted the British quintet to alter their title.

However, a joint statement released by the two bands said: “All of the parties involved are pleased with the resolution and wish each other success.”

The case highlights the importance of registering with a trademark office as soon as possible in order to protect brand reputation.