Lee Mendelson Film Productions has initiated four lawsuits over the unauthorized use of music from ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ and other ‘Peanuts’ specials. The company, which owns the music rights, filed these claims in federal courts in both New York and Washington, D.C. Allegations target the U.S. Department of the Interior, among others.
The Department of the Interior is accused of using Vince Guaraldi’s arrangement of ‘O Tannenbaum’ without permission for a digital holiday card on social media. The department has refrained from commenting on the litigation.
Heritage Auctions is also facing a lawsuit for its use of the song ‘Linus and Lucy’ on Facebook and Instagram posts promoting a collectibles auction. This song is closely associated with ‘Peanuts’ and has become a signature theme. Buckle-Down Inc., a belt-maker producing ‘Peanuts’ themed products, is mentioned in a similar suit for unauthorized social media usage.
“At this time, Heritage has not been served with or reviewed the complaint. If and when we receive it, we will review the allegations and respond as appropriate.” — Christina Rees, Heritage Auctions Representative
Attempts to contact other defendants for comments have been unsuccessful. The legal action follows increased unauthorized digital sharing, which Lee Mendelson Film Productions found intolerable.
Attorney Marc Jacobson expressed the company’s stance on the matters, emphasizing the need to protect creators’ rights and cultural assets. Peanuts Worldwide LLC, controlling intellectual property of Charlie Brown and Snoopy, is not involved in these lawsuits.
The fourth lawsuit involves GameMill Entertainment. Their 2025 ‘Peanuts’ video game, ‘Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club’, is alleged to have used compositions resembling Guaraldi’s work, such as ‘Linus and Lucy’, without permission. Plaintiffs seek financial damages exceeding $300,000 from GameMill and insist on stopping all copyright infringements.
Background on ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
Lee Mendelson Film Productions, based in Burlingame, California, was founded by Lee Mendelson. The producer worked with Charles Schulz, creator of ‘Peanuts’, and director Bill Melendez on TV specials, beginning with the 1965 release of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’. Vince Guaraldi’s jazzy tunes added a distinct touch to these specials.
Jason Mendelson, Lee’s son, recounted his father’s sudden collaboration proposal to Schulz for creating the Christmas special for CBS. Guaraldi’s song caught Mendelson’s attention on the radio, ending in his hiring. Guaraldi, known for his Grammy-winning jazz, became integral to the ‘Peanuts’ sound.
‘Christmas Time Is Here’, from the TV special, incorporated children’s voices from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church youth choir in San Rafael, California. Cary Cedarblade, a choir member, and others, recorded under Guaraldi’s guidance, noted the enjoyable experience with the group.