HILTON WORLDWIDE HAS accepted a ban on launching a lifestyle hotel brand, as part of a settlement with rival hotel company Starwood Hotels and Resorts over claims of industrial espionage.
In a statement, Hilton confirmed it had consented to an injunction that includes "certain business restrictions" for a period of two years, but said additional terms of the settlement were to remain confidential.
Hilton's chief executive, Christopher Nassetta, said: "We regret the circumstances surrounding the dispute with Starwood and are pleased to bring an end to this prolonged litigation."
He added that Hilton is committed to "fair, ethical and robust competition in the marketplace".
Hilton attempted to launch its first lifestyle brand, Denizen Hotels, in March 2009, saying the name would be seen in key cities throughout the globe.
The following month, Starwood launched a lawsuit against Hilton, accusing the hotel company and two of its top executives (Ross Klein and Amar Lalvani) of stealing documents relating to Starwood's boutique brand W.