They Got Name: Director, Network Settle Legal Fight Blocking ‘Spike TV’ Moniker

And to think they might have been forced to call it Sumner TV.

New York-based movie director Spike Lee settled his legal squabble late Monday with Viacom Inc. -- the media conglomerate run by Sumner Redstone -- over plans to rename its TNN Network “Spike TV.”

Confirmation of the settlement came shortly after a New York judge lifted his order barring Viacom from using the moniker Spike TV. Settlement terms were not disclosed. Both sides are expected to appear in court this morning.

A spokeswoman for Viacom’s MTV Networks, the parent of Spike TV, confirmed the settlement, saying, “We’re very happy about the outcome.” Lee’s attorneys declined to comment.

Lee, who directed such films as “25th Hour” and “Malcolm X,” filed suit against Viacom last month alleging that the entertainment giant was exploiting his name to draw viewers to its male-oriented cable network. Viacom argued that Spike was a common name that had no connection to the director.

The court issued its injunction four days before Viacom planned to rename its cable network Spike TV, calling it “the first network for men.” The channel’s programming includes wrestling, high-octane dramas and bawdy cartoons.

Viacom said that as a result of the legal action it was forced to revamp its ad campaign promoting the name change -- a move the company claimed cost it nearly $17 million.