The High Court in Belfast has ruled that the official name of Northern Ireland's second largest city is still Londonderry.
Derry City Council went to court in a bid to have its decision to change the name to Derry upheld.
But the judge rejected its contention that because the council had changed its title from 'Londonderry' to 'Derry', that had the effect of making Derry the city's official name.
He said the council's decision had not had the effect of changing the name specified in the 1662 Charter.
Mr Justice Weatherup said that to achieve the name change desired by the council, it would be necessary to alter the charter by exercise of the British Royal Prerogative, or by legislation.
Derry City Sinn Féin Councillor Kevin Campbell said the ruling clarified the law, but did not alter the fact that the council wanted the city's name changed.
