SB19 settles ownership issue over group name with former agency

SB19 members (from left) Ken, Justin, Pablo, Josh, Stell. Image: X/@SB19Official

SB19 is looking forward to “reconnecting” with fans that called themselves A’TIN after settling the issue on ownership rights with their former agency over their group name.

The quintet’s label 1Z Entertainment confirmed in an official statement on Tuesday, Dec. 5 that SB19 came to an “amicable agreement” with their former agency ShowBT Philippines Corp.

“We formally announce that we have come to an amicable agreement with ShowBT Philippines Corp. through a fair and equitable resolution,” it wrote.

pic.twitter.com/M9bx98v38V

— 1Z ENTERTAINMENT (@1zentertainment) December 5, 2023

1Z also expressed gratitude to fans for their “patience and unwavering support.”

“Thank you for your patience and unwavering support toward SB19 and 1Z Entertainment,” 1Z added. “Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin eagerly anticipate reconnecting with all of you in their upcoming endeavors. We can’t wait to see you all again soon.”

The official Facebook page of SB19 also shared 1Z’s statement on the same day.

Image: Facebook/SB19

Further details are yet to be announced, as of this writing.

Following the label’s announcement, the phrase “ATIN ANG SB19” rose to the top of the trending topics in the Philippines on X (formerly Twitter).

Image: Screengrab from X

Fans and eagle-eyed netizens noticed that SB19’s Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin dropped their group name from the bios of their social media accounts, leading to speculations about their dispute with their former label.

It was also reported that the group’s trademark is owned by ShowBT, as seen on the website of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). However, the label has yet to make a statement regarding their trademark dispute up to this day.

During the debacle, the group canceled the Bangkok, Singapore, and Dubai legs of their “Pagtatag” Asia tour, while their Japan stop was postponed to a later date.

SB19 debuted in October 2018 with the single “Tilaluha.” The P-pop supergroup is best known for their hit songs “Gento,” “What?”, “Bazinga,” “WYAT (Where You At),” and “Mapa,” just to name a few.

The quintet confirmed that they’re “self-managed” stars during their “Pagtatag” media launch in June 2023, and eventually launched 1Z Entertainment months later with Pablo taking rein as the CEO.

They are also confirmed as one of the performers of the upcoming Asia Artist Awards which will be held at the Philippine Arena on Dec. 14.