The Red Hot Chili Peppers filed court documents Monday alleging that Showtime's hit series Californication inappropriately capitalizes off the band's 1999 album and single of the same name.
The lawsuit claims the term is "inherently distinctive, famous and ... is widely recognized" as being associated with the band.
"Californication is the signature CD, video and song of the band's career," lead singer Anthony Kiedis said in a statement to the Associated Press. "For some TV show to come along and steal our identity is not right."
The suit claims that the series (starring David Duchovny) "has caused and continues to cause a likelihood of confusion, mistake and deception" among the public, who assume the band is involved in the show.
Not to mention, Californication also features a character named Dani California, which is the title of a 2006 single from the Chili Peppers. The suit also names series creator Tom Kapinos and two production companies.
It seeks a permanent injunction against using the name "Californication" along with unnamed damages, legal fees and profits earned from the show.
Showtime said in a statement: "We have not seen the lawsuit yet so we can't make any comment."
