Red Hot Chili Peppers Sue Showtime

Posted on Nov 20th 2007 1:30PM by Nadine Cheung
Comments

What's in a name? If you're the Red Hot Chili Peppers, a lot, actually. The SoCal rock group have filed a lawsuit against Showtime Networks over the show 'Californication,' a title shared by the band's 1999 multi-platinum album.

The suit claims federal trademark law and state unfair competition law, and alleges that the Chili Peppers' 'Californication' album achieved "extraordinary critical and commercial recognition." The band request that the show stop using that name, and turn over any profits made while using it. "'Californication' is the signature CD, video and song of the band's career," frontman Anthony Kiedis said in a statement. "For some TV show to come along and steal our identity is not right."

Showtime has filed an application to trademark 'Californication' as an ongoing television series, but the rights have not yet been granted. However, federal registration is not essential to claim rights in a mark. The popular series, starring David Duchovny, first aired on August 13.