No Doubt vs Activision Band Hero dispute settled

No Doubt and Activision have reached a settlement in a long-running suit over the group's appearance in 2009's Band Hero, just days ahead of a scheduled trial.

Associated Press reported the conclusion of the suit but gave no further details.

No Doubt sued Activision over the "virtual karaoke circus act" of Band Hero, apparently distressed that avatars of Gwen Stefani and colleagues could be used to perform songs belonging to other bands, a staple of the Guitar Hero franchise. A superior court judge allowed the suit, and the case was to go to jury trial later this month.

Activision has maintained its innocence throughout the case, presenting compelling evidence of its rights to the group's likenesses. The publisher went so far as to file a counter-suit to recoup legal costs.

Thanks, Gamasutra.