Bands Settle Over the Name Supernova

The Associated Press
Thursday, September 21, 2006; 9:37 PM

LOS ANGELES -- There's enough Supernova for everyone. At least according to the settlement reached by a Southern California punk band called Supernova and the CBS reality show "Rock Star: Supernova."

Under the agreement, announced Thursday, the punk band will keep its original name and the TV band will be known as "Rock Star Supernova."

The original Supernova, which recorded three albums under the name since 1991, sued CBS, the show's participants and Mark Burnett Productions in June claiming unfair competition and trademark infringement.

"Rock Star: Supernova," which began airing July 5, followed 15 contestants who aspired to become the lead singer of a new rock band that includes former Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke and former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted.

The winner, Lukas Rossi, named on the show's final episode, is expected to tour with the band _ Rock Star Supernova, that is _ and appear on its album. The group's first performance is scheduled for New Year's Eve in Las Vegas.

Last week, a judge issued a preliminary injunction barring the TV-show band from using the Supernova name.