The Romantics sues 'Guitar Hero' maker Activision

Photo: The Romantics sues 'Guitar Hero' maker Activision

The Romantics sues 'Guitar Hero' maker Activision

A federal lawsuit was filed by The Romantics against the maker of "Guitar Hero" Activision Inc. It says that the popular video game infringes on the band's rights by featuring a soundalike recording of its 1980 hit "What I Like About You."

The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in the group's hometown of Detroit, seeks unspecified damages.

The song is one of about 30 songs featured on "Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the '80s." The band also is seeking an injunction that could take the best-selling game off store shelves.

A copyright claim is not the issue for the Romantics. The band's attorneys tell the Detroit Free Press for Thursday's edition that Activision properly secured permission to use "What I Like About You," allowing it to record a cover version.

But they say by creating an imitation so much like the Romantics' original, the California-based company infringed on the group's rights to its own likeness.

Activision representatives did not return calls for comment from the Detroit Free Press.