A disappointed ANC intends applying for leave to appeal a court ruling dismissing a challenge to the use of the name Congress of the People, a movement formed out of disgruntled former members.

Speaking outside the Pretoria High Court spokesperson Carl Niehaus said the party was disappointed, but would apply for leave to appeal.

In a later statement it said: "The ANC does not believe that this name should be appropriated for the exclusive use of any political party, particularly one that had no involvement in that historic event."

The name was used in 1955 at an ANC event which launched the Freedom Charter, a document containing its aspirations and goals for the nation.

Meanwhile Cope said it hoped the ANC would respect Friday's court judgment.

"More importantly that the ANC accepts the changing political landscape in our country and that the existence of Cope can only strengthen democratic values and culture," a statement read.

It said the judgment vindicated its position that voter's won't be confused.

"This was nothing but a bullying tactic by the ruling party to frustrate a normal democratic process whereby people can exercise their right to belong to a political party of their choice."

The party, which claimed to already have over 400 000 signed-up members, charged that the ANC's strategy was to frustrate an alternative to itself.