It’s About Time: Red Hot Chili Peppers Sue Showtime Over “Californication”
November 19th, 2007 by Evil Beet
I was wondering how long it would take for this to happen.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have sued Showtime, whose series Californication has the same name as the band’s 1999 album.
The lawsuit alleges unfair competition, dilution of the value of the name and unjust enrichment, claiming the title is “inherently distinctive, famous … and immediately associated in the mind of the consumer” with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
“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,” the band’s lead singer, Anthony Kiedis, said in a statement.
The show features a character named “Dani California,” which is also the title of a Red Hot Chili Peppers song released in 2006, the lawsuit noted.
Before you leave a comment, please make sure you've read our Guide to Commenting. It could save you a great deal of embarrassment.
Sumner Redstone is a big huge asshole. I mean big! We’re talkin’ Gonzo video, DP in the backdoor big.
I heart Anthony Kiedis. Showtime has stolen everything but their mothers. Umm, please check on them, you guys.
I thought that the Chilli Peppers sold out! Now I feel better. Stupid move, Showtime.
Maybe they are homosexual, but I like them. I hope they will win… http://www.spymac.com/details?2295013
Kick some Showtime ass, Peppers! What kind of douche pitched a show with that title? And what bigger douche approved it? Have they been living under a rock for the last 10 years? I think I have an idea for a show called Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
I highly doubt RHCP were the first to coin that term. Tom Petty didn’t sue them for Dani California, they could return the karmic favour.
I adore your music…your funky monk vibrations and the way you keep going despite adversity and controversy…then again you thrive on the right Boy_O’s????
Well done for 20 + years of soul :)