No Doubt's case against Activision over 'Band Hero' to be heard by jury

No Doubt's case against Activision Publishing Inc. over the use of its likeness in the Band Hero video game–which dates back to 2009–will be heard by a jury. Via Associated Press:

“The ruling by Superior Court Judge Ramona See rejected a motion by Activision's lawyers to dismiss several claims from the case, including fraud, violation of publicity rights and breach of contract. See determined there were genuine disputes about evidence that a jury should consider.

No Doubt sued the Santa Monica, Calif.-based video game company in November 2009, claiming the band was never told that players would be able to unlock avatars of the band to perform other artists' music.

The case cited instances in which players could use singer Gwen Stefani to perform suggestive lyrics from the Rolling Stones' hit “Honky Tonk Women,” or have a virtual version of bassist Tony Kanal sing his band's hit 'Just a Girl,' but with Stefani's voice.

The lawsuit claimed the feature turns the band 'into a virtual karaoke circus act.'”

In other No Doubt news, the band's first new album in eleven years is due out Sept. 25.