A summary of Southern California-related business litigation developments during the past week.

New Kids Sue for Unauthorized Use of Names: The pop group New Kids on the Block sued the publishers of USA Today and three other firms Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles for a total of $50 million, alleging trademark infringement and false advertising through the unauthorized use of the group’s name. USA Today and Star magazine both ran reader polls using photos of the band, the suits said. A promotional company, Media Promotions Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., used the band to promote a contest for a clothing store and the fourth defendant, Investex Investment Exchange Inc. of Orlando, Fla., used New Kids to promote a 900 telephone service, the suits said. (Filed March 20, 1990; Case Nos. CV90-1375 - CV90-1378)