LIFEBRANDZ, which runs the Ministry of Sound (MoS) nightclub in Singapore, is caught up in a trademark dispute.

It said in a statement on Wednesday that it had been served with a writ of summons filed in the High Court by Nimbus Holdings and London-based nightlife firm Ministry of Sound International.

The writ alleges infringement of Nimbus' registered trademark comprising the logo and seeks an injunction to restrain Lifebrandz from using it, as well as an inquiry with regard to damages, it said.

British-based Nimbus owns the MoS brand. Its name had not previously been reported in the ongoing case between Lifebrandz and Ministry of Sound International.

The latter filed late last year a suit against Lifebrandz in the British courts. It then moved the legal action to Singapore's High Court.

Lifebrandz announced late last year that Ministry of Sound International served it with a writ of summons, alleging breaches of certain terms and conditions of the licensing agreement pertaining to the MoS brand.

It then said it would 'vigorously defend' the 'unmeritorious' allegations.

On Wednesday, Lifebrandz said in its statement that it is currently reviewing the merits of the claim and will keep shareholders informed of the progress of the matter.

It opened the MoS outlet in Clarke Quay in 2005.

Ministry of Sound International president Michael Wilkings told The Straits Times last November that the company had been trying to deal with Lifebrandz chief executive and managing director Clement Lee and his colleagues to try and make him understand that MoS Singapore has to be operated at a standard that is acceptable to Ministry of Sound International.

Mr Lee did not wish to comment.