The American beer giant Anheuser-Busch has lost a long-running legal battle over the use of its trademark 'Bud' name in the UK, reports the BBC.

A ruling by the House of Lords, Britain's highest court, allowed rival Czech brewer Budejovicky Budvar to continue to use the trademark 'Bud' name.

The UK is the only country where both Anheuser-Busch and Budvar can sell their beer products using the Budweiser brand.

The ruling on 17 February halted a last attempt by the American brewer to stop state-owned Budwar's ownership of 'Bud' in Britain. The UK is Anheuser-Busch's second largest market.