Bon Jovi Sues Tribute Band For Likelihood of Confusion

With the current economic stranglehold, prominent musicians and their record labels are suing left and right for copyright or trademark infringement. It’s come to the point where harmless homemade videos of music fans lip-syncing to their favorite artists are being systematically removed from YouTube… as if they’re really profiting from their webcam shenanigans.

Now that the lip-syncers have been silenced (?), big-shot artists are beginning to strong-arm cover bands and tribute groups. Antimusic reports that Bon Jovi has sued the all-female tribute band, Blonde Jovi, because their name “creates a likelihood of confusion with [Bon Jovi], and capitalizes on the goodwill and reputation of its well-known marks.” If Bon Jovi is worried that five middle-aged women with mediocre cover capabilities are a threat, other tribute bands are bound for trouble.

Just off the top of my head, I can think of a few fantastic cover bands that could be in danger. The all-female Led Zep tribute band Lez Zeppelin would be an obvious target, as well as the ever-popular imitators Led Zepagain. Blues lovers The Black Squeeze (covering The Black Keys) and Children in Heat (a strictly Danzig-era Misfits cover band who take their name from the group’s timeless song) are a couple of other names that could face legal action.

However, this Bon Jovi scenario could be an isolated incident resulting from an overbearing record label greedily lapping up all possible royalties. Or maybe Jon Bon Jovi is just a big jerk.

In any case, Blonde Jovi didn’t seem too upset by the cease and desist notice. Here’s their good-humored response posted on their MySpace:

“Due to threatened legal action by Jon Bon Jovi’s attorneys, we will be changing our name. The name Blonde Jersey is temporary, until we come up with a new one. If you have any name suggestions, please email us! Nothing containing Jovi, or anything similar to JOVI may be used so Blonde Giovi, Blonde Joe V, BLONDE JOVIE, are not options. Thanks for your support!… Too bad we didn’t go with our original name idea of Boob Jovi!”

Personally, I think this is a frivolous lawsuit that reveals poor character on the part of Bon Jovi and their record label. Since when did admiration and adoration become a crime? Led Zeppelin has countless imitators, some of them (like Lez Zeppelin) launching major tours and making it big at world-class festivals like Bonnaroo… and you don’t see Jimmy Page, Robert Plant or John Paul Jones frantically filing suits. Doesn’t Bon Jovi realize that cover bands are just free PR?

What do you think? Is Bon Jovi overreacting or should they hunt down and sue any and all tribute bands? Better yet what do you think their new name should be?