British boy band One Direction and a US group of the same name have reached an agreement that allows the U.K. group to continue use of the name.

The two groups issued a news release from London saying the California-based group will change its name to Uncharted Shores.

The release says both parties are pleased with the resolution. 

The quintet of Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson came together in 2010 after trying out individually for the British version of The X Factor.

They've since become a sensation and their album Up All Night was the first by a U.K act to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 all-genre albums chart.

Their second album Take Me Home is set to be released on November 12 and the quintett plans to be so successful that even life forms on other planets will take an interest.

"I think our goal for ten years down the line should be to sell a single in outer space and be the first band to do so," Niall told British newspaper The Sun.

"I want aliens to buy our music. It is worth a shot and is obtainable."

The band is set to perform at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 6.

They are in the running for three awards, including Best New Artist.

(-with AP and Cover Media)

- © Fairfax NZ News