"Peanuts" music owner sues U.S. government over use of iconic songs
The owner of the music from 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' has filed lawsuits against the U.S. government and several companies for unauthorized use of iconic songs. The lawsuits claim that the music was used in social media posts and a video game without permission. Lee Mendelson Film Productions is seeking financial damages and an injunction to stop the alleged copyright violations.
- ▪Lee Mendelson Film Productions filed four lawsuits against the U.S. Department of the Interior and three companies.
- ▪The lawsuits allege that the defendants used Vince Guaraldi's music without permission in various digital formats.
- ▪The company is seeking at least $300,000 from GameMill Entertainment for copyright violations related to a video game.
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U.S. "Peanuts" music owner sues U.S. government, 3 companies over use of iconic songs Updated on: May 21, 2026 / 6:18 AM EDT / CBS/AP Add CBS News on Google The owner of the music of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and other "Peanuts" television specials filed four lawsuits Wednesday against defendants including the U.S. Department of the Interior, alleging they illegally used the jazzy ditties of pianist Vince Guaraldi in social media posts and a video game.Lee Mendelson Film Productions filed the suits in federal courts in New York and Washington, D.C.
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