Game publisher THQ has found itself taken to the mat with a lawsuit filed against them by songwriter Michael Tumbarello. The suit alleges that THQ used one of Tumbarello,s songs, “King of the Mat,” in SmackDown! Vs. Raw 2006 without his consent. According to the lawsuit details, the snubbed songwriter had alerted THQ to their illegal use of his work in January of 2006, and asked the game publisher to stop the distribution of the game. THQ ignored his requests and continued to sell the game without compensating Tumbarello for the use of his song. He is suing for $3 million for copyright infringement, and no less than $3 million for each violation of misappropriation of property.
No word has come from THQ regarding the charges leveled against them or what actions they will take regarding the lawsuit.
