Early last month we reported that rock group No Doubt filed suit against Activision, claiming the company turned the band's on-screen likenesses "into a virtual karaoke circus act." Activision has fired back, filing its own countersuit against No Doubt claiming the band is in breach of contract, and is receiving unjust enrichment from its inclusion in the game (via The Hollywood Reporter).

According to the complaint, No Doubt was contractually obligated to promote the game, but the band failed this commitment when it filed suit against the company in early November. Activision is seeking damages including interest and asking that the band "disgorge all benefits, including payments, received," pay court costs and attorney fees, and be subject to any other penalaty as the court sees fit.



Tyler says: Drama! While I'm not a die-hard No Doubt or Guitar Hero fan, I'm curious about this rash of incidents because of the precedents the outcome could bring. You would think that with all these court fees, attorney fees and general headaches that in the future Activision would be as up-front as possible to bands concerning the use of their likenesses.