The Romantics sue Activision

Michigan band the Romantics, most famous for tunes What I Like About You and Talking In Your Sleep, has filed a federal lawsuit against Activision.

The group, which is still together and performing its hits today, was formed on Valentine's Day, 1977--hence the name the Romantics--and is objecting to its likeness and an "imitation" of one of its songs being used in Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s.

The lawsuit reads, "The imitation of the plaintiffs on the defendant's video game is virtually indistinguishable from the authentic version."

The legal paperwork alleges that permission was not sought to create a soundalike of the band's most famous song, and that many fans believe that the Guitar Hero version is the real deal. The Romantics are claiming unspecified damages.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the band's attorney has said that copyright is not the issue, since Activision secured permission for a cover version through the proper channels. Attorney William Horton said, "It's a very good imitation, and that's our objection. Even the guys in the band said, 'Wow, that's not us, but it sure sounds like us.'" He added, "The sales of this game are huge. We're all for good commerce. We just want to share in it."

If the case is successful, Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s could get pulled from store shelves.