Rock band No Doubt has filed a lawsuit against Activision over the use of its name and likeness in Band Hero.
The group alleges that it has been transformed “into a virtual karaoke circus act” because players can perform songs using No Doubt avatars that weren’t approved by the band.
“The band [members] are bitterly disappointed that their name and likeness was taken and used without their permission,” No Doubt manager Jim Guerinot said, according to the LA Times. “They agreed to play three No Doubt songs as a band.... Activision then went and put them in 62 other songs and broke the band up [and] never even asked.”
The band is seeking damages and a temporary restraining order. In addition, its suit calls for a permanent injunction against distribution of the game and for Activision to recall existing copies.
Activision countered the suit in a statement, saying that it “believes it is within its legal rights with respect to the use and portrayal of the band members in the game and that this lawsuit is without merit”.
The publisher added: “Activision has a written agreement to use No Doubt in Band Hero – an agreement signed by No Doubt after extensive negotiations with its representatives, who collectively have decades of experience in the entertainment industry. Pursuant to that agreement, Activision worked with No Doubt and the band’s management in developing Band Hero…. Activision is exploring its own legal options with respect to No Doubt’s obligations under the agreement.”
In September, Courtney Love, the widow of former Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, threatened to sue Activision for breach of contract over her late husband’s appearance in Guitar Hero 5.