Members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers have sued Showtime Networks and others over the new television show called "Californication," the same name used by the band for their Grammy-nominated 1999 album.
The suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court today (Nov. 19), sets out claims under federal trademark law and state unfair competition law. The complaint alleges that the composition entitled "Californication" and the album achieved "extraordinary critical and commercial recognition."
"’Californication’ is the signature CD, video and song of the band’s career," band frontman Anthony Kiedis said in a statement. "For some TV show to come along and steal our identity is not right."
Named as defendants are Showtime Networks, Twilight Time Films, Aggressive Mediocrity and Tom Kapinos. They were not immediately available for comment.
U.S. Trademark Office records show that Showtime filed an application to trademark "Californication" as an ongoing television series, but the rights have not yet been granted. Federal registration is not essential to claim rights in a mark.
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Band members want the show to stop using the name and to turn over any profits made by using it.
Source Billboard
