Legal Dispute Over ‘Peanuts’ Music Usage

On Wednesday, the owner of the music associated with “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and other “Peanuts” specials, Lee Mendelson Film Productions, initiated four lawsuits. These legal actions target several parties, including the U.S. Department of the Interior. The lawsuits allege unauthorized use of Vince Guaraldi’s compositions in social media content and a video game.

Lawsuits Filed Against Multiple Defendants

The lawsuits were filed in federal courts located in New York and Washington, D.C. Besides the Interior Department, the defendants include a video game publisher, an auction company, and a belt manufacturer.

One particular lawsuit accuses the Interior Department of not obtaining permission to use Guaraldi’s arrangement of “O Tannenbaum” in a digital holiday card shared on social media platforms. The department declined to comment on pending litigation.

Another lawsuit asserts Heritage Auctions used “Linus and Lucy” to promote an auction on Facebook and Instagram unlawfully. Additionally, Buckle-Down Inc., a company producing “Peanuts”-themed merchandise, faces similar claims of inappropriate social media usage of the music.

Responses from Defendants

Christina Rees, speaking for Heritage Auctions, stated they had not yet been served with the complaint. She assured that upon receiving it, they would review and respond appropriately. Attempts to get responses from other defendants were unsuccessful.

An attorney for Lee Mendelson Film Productions, Marc Jacobson, emphasized the company’s decision to act against unauthorized usage of its property. He highlighted the necessity of protecting creators’ rights in the digital age.

Exclusion of Peanuts Worldwide LLC

Peanuts Worldwide LLC, holding the rights to Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and related characters, is not involved in these lawsuits.

Video Game Infringement Claims

In a related suit, the video game publisher GameMill Entertainment is accused of copyright infringement within its 2025 game, “Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club.” The plaintiffs allege GameMill used music compositions closely resembling Guaraldi’s work without authorization.

Lee Mendelson Film Productions seeks various financial damages, including a claim for at least $300,000 from GameMill. The plaintiff also demands an injunction to halt and prevent further alleged copyright violations.

“The rights of creators and the protection of iconic cultural assets must be vigorously enforced,” stated attorney Marc Jacobson.

Background on Lee Mendelson Film Productions

Burlingame, California-based Lee Mendelson Film Productions was founded by Lee Mendelson who collaborated with “Peanuts” creator Charles Schulz and director Bill Melendez to produce TV specials starting with 1965’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Vince Guaraldi, the jazz pianist hired by Mendelson, composed the music associated with these specials, including the famous pieces “Christmas Time Is Here” and “Linus and Lucy.”

Jason Mendelson, Lee’s son, once recounted how his father and Charles Schulz quickly developed the concept for “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Guaraldi’s music, especially, left an indelible mark on the Peanuts series.