Red Hot Chili Peppers take 'Californication' to the courts

Red Hot Chili Peppers are suing a US TV series over the name 'Californication'.

The show, starring 'X Files' actor David Duchovny as a writer in Hollywood, is the subject of a complaint filed to the Los Angeles Superior Court by the band.

The group reelased a massive-selling album of the same name in 1999.

They allege that by using the name, the series is creating unfair competition, dilution of the value of the name and unjust enrichment, and state that 'Californication' is "inherently distinctive, widely recognized and immediately associated in the mind of the consumer and those in the trade" with the band, reports E! Online.

"'Californication' is the signature CD, video and song of the band's career," declared frontman Anthony Kiedis in a statement. "For some TV show to come along and steal our identity is not right."

The band are now seeking unspecified damages, restitution and "disgorgement of all profits derived by the defendants", plus want to prevent 'Californication' being used as a title in the future.

The show’s creators Showtime have yet to comment.