Jackson has had his fair share of legal problems

The lawsuit, filed by Steeltown Records boss Gordon Keith and musician Elvy Woodard, alleges that the Jackson Five used the name of another Gary band and two of their songs on the 1996 album Pre-History: The Lost Steeltown Recordings.

It says the Jackson Five - which included Jackson's brothers Jermaine, Jackie, Tito and Marlon - infringed on the name Ripples and Waves.

The long-running saga saw Jackson travel to Indianapolis to give his sworn deposition, but only after cancelling one scheduled court appearance citing illness.

Mr Keith's lawyer, Norman Reed, said a discussion about settling out of court had been made during Jackson's deposition hearing in June.

Doubtful

He has now asked the US District Court to set up a conference to bring about a satisfactory conclusion to the legal proceedings.

But Jackson's lawyer, Robert Meyer, does not believe a swift settlement is likely.

"We've been amenable to discussing things with them in the past," he said.

"Now that we've gone through all the trials and tribulations of dragging Michael all over the place, frankly, I don't know if the door is still open on that."

Mr Keith signed the Jackson Five to his Steeltown Recordings label in 1967, but says he has not been recognised for his contribution.