No Doubt Sues Activision Over Band Hero Brou-Ha-Ha

no doubt_band hero

Former ska-turned-pop-music group No Doubt recently fired a heat blast of legal action to Activision, because they’re seeking damages for turning the act into “virtual karaoke players.” According to Kotaku news, No Doubt stated that they agreed to place avatars containing their likeness and names to perform just three No Doubt songs. Turns out that in the final release of Band Hero, they used their avatars to play more than 60 other songs, without the consent of the group.

Activision’s response is as follows: “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 has a written agreement to use No Doubt in Band Hero â€“ 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.”

Currently, No Doubt is seeking an injunction and damages in the suit. The last celebrity to raise an ire on Activision’s meddling is Kurt Cobain’s widow Courtney Love over her late husband’s likeness use in Guitar Hero 5.

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