Mutya Buena, a founding – and former – member of Sugababes, has applied for ownership of the band's name.
The move comes as the current Sugababes book festival gigs and prepare for the release of the revamped lineup's first album, Sweet Seven.
A legal firm representing Buena has applied to the European Trademarks Authority for permission to use the Sugababes name, according to BBC News.
The request has been registered, but not yet approved. If granted, Buena would be able to use the Sugababes brand for everything from T-shirts to CDs.
Buena helped form Sugababes in 1998 with Siobhán Donaghy and Keisha Buchanan.
While Donaghy left in 2001 and Buena quit in 2005, Buchanan remained part of the group until her surprise sacking last year.
She was replaced by reality TV contestant Jade Ewen. At the time, Buena suggested that "Sugababes have ended because there are no original people remaining".
While all three of the trio's original members are included in the trademark submission, law firm Kilburn and Strode said that Buena is the "sole applicant". The Sunday Mirror has meanwhile reported that Buchanan has launched her own suit to reclaim the Sugababes name.
According to the paper, Buchanan has demanded either a one-off payment or rights to the brand.
The current manifestation of Sugababes, featuring Ewen, Heidi Range and Amelle Berrabah, will release Sweet Seven on Friday.
© Guardian