No Doubt launch legal proceedings against a computer game manufacturer

US band No Doubt are suing the makers of the computer game Band Hero after discovering a change to the band’s use in the product which they don’t agree with. The rock group originally signed up to allow the band members’ likenesses, including front woman Gwen Stefani, to be used for characters, and also for the use of three of the band’s hits to be featured within the music video game.

However No Doubt were unhappy when they learned that the Gwen Stefani character, and the other members of the band, can be split up and made to sing the tracks by other artists regardless of gender and genre. No Doubt are accusing the makers of the game, Activision, of breach of contract and fraudulent inducement.

In an recent interview with the Rolling Stones magazine, No Doubt’s manager Jim Guerinot said the band were “mortified” when they discovered that their persona’s were being used to perform the hits of rival artists.

The game’s manufacturer Activision has defended their actions saying the company: “believes it is within its legal rights with respect to the use and portrayal of the band”

Legal papers have been filed in Los Angeles which will seek to obtain and injunction to prevent the computer game from being distributed and to force the Activision to recall any games which may already be in circulation.