Rockers the Red Hot Chili Peppers are suing executives at cable TV network Showtime over the pay-per-view channel's hit show Californication.

In the suit, filed in Los Angeles on Monday, the band alleges the network used the name of their Grammy-nominated 1999 album to give the saucy new show, starring David Duchovny, the buzz factor.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers bandmates claim unfair competition, alleging their "Californication" hit and the album it comes from achieved "extraordinary critical and commercial recognition", and Showtime are using it to boost the credibility of their show.

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

U.S. Trademark Office records show that Showtime filed an application to trademark Californication as an ongoing television series, but the rights have not yet been granted.

The band wants Showtime to rename the show and hand over damages.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)