U2 - U2 Battle Pirates

Irish rockers U2 have embarked on a mission against merchandise pirates as they set off their VERTIGO world tour.

The company which licences U2 memorabilia has sued to stop rip-off artists from using the band's name and image on counterfeit clothing, jewellery, photographs and posters.

On 28 March (05), as the rockers kicked off their tour on San Diego, California, U2 got the federal marshals on their side - a judge authorised them to seize any merchandise being sold without U2's permission, according to American TV show CELEBRITY JUSTICE.