SMASHING PUMPKINS - SMASHING PUMPKINS LAUNCH LAWSUIT AGAINST VIRGIN RECORDS

Smashing Pumpkins are to sue their former record label Virgin Records over the alleged misuse of the band's name.

The rock band have launched a legal action against Virgin after the company used the Pumpkins' name and music in the Pepsi Stuff promotion, a tie-in deal between the label, the drinks manufacturer and Amazon.com.

And though the band - fronted by Billy Corgan - were previously signed to Virgin, they left the label in 2000 after splitting up, joining Warner Music offshoot Reprise Records when they reformed in 2005.

The band alleged in papers filed in the Los Angeles superior court on Monday that while Virgin are allowed to sell Smashing Pumpkins music as digital downloads, they are not permitted to use the band's name or music in promotional campaigns for outside products.

The four-piece said they have "worked hard for over two decades to accumulate a considerable amount of goodwill in the eyes of the public" and claimed Virgin's actions have compromised their "artistic integrity", according to papers obtained by the Associated Press news agency.

The suit alleges the rockers would "never grant such authority to Virgin, or any other entity".

They are seeking an injunction to prevent Virgin using the band's name or music in the future as well as payment of the profits earned in the Pepsi Stuff promotion.