Chili Peppers sue 'Californication'

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have revealed plans to sue the producers of Californication over the use of their famous album title.

Showtime Networks insists that the producer of the show saw the name on the back of a car in Oregon in the 1970s, while the Chili Peppers maintain that the title of their 1999 album is "inherently distinctive... and immediately associated in the mind of the consumer", with the band.

Singer Anthony Kiedis is quoted as saying: "Californication is the signature CD, video and song of the band's career, and for some TV show to come along and steal our identity is not right."

The group are reportedly seeking to bar Showtime Networks from continuing to use the name, and are also seeking damages and restitution.

The show's producer Tom Kapinos told reporters that the name has no connection to the platinum selling album.

Speaking at the Television Critics Association press tour, Kapinos said: "Apparently in the '70s there were bumper stickers that said 'Don't Californicate Oregon', because Californians were coming up there, and I just thought it was a great, great title for this show."