Cheryl’s hubby JB banned from calling new London restaurant ‘Versini’ because SHE still owns rights to his name

CHERYL'S estranged husband has been banned from opening a restaurant bearing his name - because she still owns the rights to it.

Jean Bernard Fernandez-Versini wanted to name his new upmarket London diner Versini.

But the Frenchman has been blocked after Cheryl trademarked her name shortly after they married.

A source said: “JB is gutted that he can’t use his own name - even though Cheryl is divorcing him and has no intention of ever using it again in future.”

“It seems completely wrong because he is trying to move on with his career.”

JB’s bid for the rights to use his surname was turned down by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), which registers trademarks.

The new restaurant is due to open next year and JB has been looking at venues in posh Marylebone, central London.

He has not yet decided the name of the new restaurant but has produced a lavish promotional video, Cheryl, 33, and JB, 36, who announced their split in January after 19 months of marriage, are still in the midst of finalising their divorce. Cheryl is now dating One Direction star Liam Payne, 22.

A source close to Cheryl said: “It is common practice for performers to trademark their names. This was a decision taken by the IPO.

“Cheryl had no idea the application had even been made.”