UK X Factor boyband One Direction is set to be sued by an American band of the same name that was formed in 2009 according to reports.

Showbiz website TMZ reports that the US One Direction band is demanding that the UK boys change their name.

The US group claims that they own the One Direction trademark in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The legal action as come at a time when The X Factor boys have taken the US by storm enjoying Stateside success with their debut album Up All Night reaching number 1 in the US Billboard chart.

Meanwhile the Californian One Direction — led by singer and pianist Sean O’Leary — have made little impact, with their biggest gigs being at local fairs and bars.

 

They’re now demanding $1 million in damages, and for the UK group to stop using the name.

Representatives for One Direction have yet to respond to the lawsuit.

While it won’t affect the group here in the UK, it’s certain to have an impact on their career in the States.

One Direction flew from LA to Australia earlier this week to kick off a promo tour down under, but will be returning to America for a tour in May.