Smashing Pumpkins will shortly play eight dates in Australia

The dispute arises from the label's use of the band in Pepsi Stuff, a promotion with the cola giant and website Amazon.

According to breach of contract papers filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the band claims the deal threatens their "artistic integrity".

It also claims Virgin has no right to use the band in promotional campaigns.

The group would never grant such authority to Virgin "or any other entity", the Associated Press reports.

Downloads

The alternative rock band had been signed to Virgin prior to its break-up in 2000.

Since it reformed in 2005, the Smashing Pumpkins - fronted by singer Billy Corgan - has been with Reprise Records, a division of Warner Music Group.

Virgin, the band claims, only has the right to sell digital downloads of their songs - a deal it says does not extend to promotional campaigns for outside products.

The action demands Virgin pay the band profits earned in the promotion, and requests an injunction preventing the use of the group's name or music in future.

The group are currently preparing for a series of concerts in Australia promoting their most recent record, Zeitgeist.