One Direction in happier times – 2011 (Picture: PA Wire)

Eighteen months after One Direction were last pictured as a five-piece the band may be forced back together – for a day in court.

Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, and ex band-mate Zayn Malik have reportedly all been named in a copyright infringement lawsuit submitted to the Irish High Court by a David Lewis.

Other names included in the suit include songwriters Jamie Scott, US song writers Julian Bunetta and John Ryan, Simon Cowell’s production company Simco, Big Deal Music, publishing company that Ryan signed a contract with in 2013, Universal Music Publishing, EMI Music Publishing and Sony Music Entertainment UK.




Night Changes – the final song released by the band as a fivesome – and Story Of My Life are the only two One Direction tracks where all eight names are credited as song writers, and it is believed it is one of these songs which has caused Mr Lewis to file a suit.

A music insider admitted that ‘it’s not known yet which song the dispute is over’ and that the ‘band need to issue any legal questions and a defence before it is brought to court, which could take months or even years’.

‘Until then, the documents are sealed, meaning no one can find out anything else.’

Zayn Malik quits One Direction: Zayn, 1D and Simon Cowell’s statements in full

Irish law firm Smyth & Sons are representing Mr Lewis and have so far yet to release any statement.

Metro.co.uk has contacted reps for One Direction and Smyth & Sons for comment.

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