Supreme justice would silence pretenders.

SPRINGFIELD -- Singer Mary Wilson of the legendary group the Supremes is asking pretenders to stop using her image and songs -- in the name of integrity.

Wilson joined state Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Maywood) and other lawmakers Tuesday in introducing legislation that would ban knock-off acts from performing in the state of Illinois. If this bill becomes law, musical acts would not be allowed to use another group's trademarks, including their songs, name and images.

"Today, there are people out there who are using our history as their own, and that's what this bill represents," said Wilson. "They're taking not only our identity, but money out of our pockets."

Wilson said she has spent millions of dollars trying to prevent groups from impersonating the Motown trio, which rose to fame in the 1960s and '70s with hits such as "Stop in the Name of Love," "Baby Love," "Come See About Me" and "Reflections."

The proposed legislation would require copycats to turn over their profits and face fines up to $50,000.

Exceptions include groups that advertise themselves as tribute bands and acts that have at least one member of the original recording group who is legally entitled to the name.

Yarbrough said the bill will be one of her priorities. The legislation made its way out of the Consumer Protection Committee on Tuesday evening.

Wilson has proposed similar laws in Pennsylvania, South Carolina and North Dakota. She is hoping this legislation will eventually be federal law.

"It's time now we have a law that protects us and our legacies," she said.