The Red Hot Chili Peppers recently sued Showtime Networks and affiliates over a television series named “Californication” – ironically the same title as the band’s 1999 Grammy-nominated album. The band filed the lawsuit under federal trademark law and a state unfair competition law, claiming that the Grammy-nominated album for Best Rock Album has sold in excess of 14 million copies since its release in 1999. In a public statement singer Anthony Kiedis emphasized, “Californication is the signature CD, video, and song of the band’s career…For some TV show to come along and steal our identity is not right.” It is reported that Showtime Networks placed an application to attain a trademark of “Californication” as an ongoing television series, but rights from this application are still under review, therefore have not been granted.
The Chili Peppers have been enjoying the success of their most recent double-disc release, Stadium Arcadium, which to date has sold over 7 million copies via Warner Bros. worldwide, according to Nielsen SoundScan. From this release the band has won multiple Grammy awards (for example, Best Rock Song among others), MTV Awards (Best Group, among others), and Japanese Gold Disc Awards (International Song of the Year, also among other awards). In addition the band is scheduled to be honored a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2008 — what a year!
-CP
Tags: anthony kiedis, californication, flea, red hot chili peppers
