Smashing Pumpkins Sue Virgin Records

The Smashing Pumpkins have filed a lawsuit against Virgin Records, which claims the label has illegally used the band’s name and music in promotional deals that have hurt the band’s credibility with fans.

The breach-of-contract lawsuit claims that the only active agreement between the band and Virgin Records grants the label permission to sell digital downloads of the band’s songs; the band further claims this agreement does not give Virgin Records the right to use the band in promotional campaigns to sell outside products. Specifically mentioned in the lawsuit is the use of the band in Amazon.com and Pepsi Co.’s recent “Pepsi Stuff” promotion.

In the lawsuit, the band demands the Virgin pay with the profits earned in the promotion, and also asks for an injunction against using the Smashing Pumpkins’ name or music in the future.