The Black Water hitmakers trademarked "Doobie Brothers" and "Doobies" for musical performances in 1982 and the lawsuit, which was filed in California in July (15) by bosses at Doobie Brothers Corp. and Doobro Entertainment, argues Jason Crosby and Roger MCNamee's band name, Doobie Decibel System, is "confusingly similar".

In the legal papers, the plaintiffs accused Crosby and MCNamee of acting "with willful intent to trade on the fame and reputation... or to deceive consumers with respect to the Doobie Marks". They demanded a full accounting of profits made by the group and an injunction to prevent further use of the name, in addition to punitive damages.

However, the rock veterans appear to have had a change of heart about the case - their lawyers filed a notice for voluntary dismissal without prejudice on 26 August (15), according to EntLawDigest.com.

No reason was given for the move, but the decision leaves the real Doobies the option of pursuing future claims against Doobie Decibel System.