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Chilis to sue TV show

20/11/2007

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have confirmed plans to sue the producers of TV show Californication over the use of their famous album title.

The US funk-rock band has filed a lawsuit against Showtime Network, the makers of the show starring David Duchovny as a writer in the midst of a midlife crisis.

A legal action against the network seeks a permanent injunction barring Showtime from using the name as, according to the band, the title is "inherently distinctive… and immediately associated in the mind of the consumer" with their 1999 album and single.

The Chilis' frontman Anthony Kiedis is also quoted as saying: "Californication is the signature CD, video and song of the band's career, and for some TV show to come along and steal our identity is not right."

But according to the show's producer, Tom Kapinos, the title of the programme is not related to the hugely successful album.

Speaking at the Television Critics Association press tour in July this year, Kapinos told reporters the name originated from the US state of Oregon.

"Apparently in the 70s there were bumper stickers that said 'Don't Californicate Oregon', because Californians were coming up there, and I just thought it was a great, great title for this show," he said.

Californication is currently shown on Five as part of a Thursday night US comedy double-bill with 30 Rock.