They weren’t happy that they were “portrayed as a virtual karaoke act” – but now Californian pop rockers No Doubt are on the defence.

In November, the Gwen Stefani-led “Don’t Speak” quartet (who’re currently working on their sixth studio album, due out in 2010) sued gaming giant Activision, claiming that they were misrepresented in worldwide smash hit game Band Hero. Now Activision, however, are biting back – counter-suing the band for breach of contract.

In the first edition of Band Hero (a spin-off of the ultra successful Guitar Hero franchise), players can ‘unlock’ performers to see them undertake other artists’ songs – bands such as the Rolling Stones, for example. According to No Doubt’s lawsuit, having Stefani singing, “Honky Tonk Women” is an “unauthorised performance by the Gwen Stefani avatar in a male voice boasting about having sex with prostitutes”.

Seeking unspecified damages and an injunction stopping Activision from distributing any further copies – and even recalling ones currently on the shelves – No Doubt have had the tables turned on them. Activision claims the band signed a contact which clearly outlined the game’s various actions, and that the ‘unlocking’ function is well known (based on similar tasks in Guitar Hero). The band failed to do due diligence, says the gaming giant – and left their concerns too late.

The case continues.