No Doubt files lawsuit against Activision over its use in Band Hero

No Doubt has filed a lawsuit against Activision what it calls misuse of its likeness in Band Hero, according to a report from Rolling Stone, citing that the firm turned the band into a "virtual karaoke circus act".

Complaints in the filing consist of not only "fraudulent inducement" but also to "breach of contract" and the group has said that it disapproves of their likeness being used to sing songs by other artists.

Another complaint is that players can isolate band members out of the group.

"No Doubt agreed to place avatars containing their name and likeness performing three No Doubt songs in the upcoming Band Hero game of the Guitar Hero series from Activision," read a statement from the group.

"Without the band's knowledge or approval Activision turned the group into virtual karaoke players by having them perform over 60 additional songs by other musical groups."

According to the report, No Doubt asked Activision to honor its contract, but the request was refused due to the cost of fixing it being "too expensive."

Oh boy. Here we go again.

Activison's response is through the break.

"Some of the world's most popular and iconic artists have been featured in Guitar Hero as playable characters, and we are proud to count No Doubt among them," Activision commented to IGN. "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. As a result, Activision 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. Activision is exploring its own legal options with respect to No Doubt's obligations under the agreement."

More through the links.