Lee Mendelson Film Productions Sues 4 Defendants Over Peanuts Music Use
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 21
Lee Mendelson Film Productions Sues 4 Defendants Over Peanuts Music Use
15 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 21
Four lawsuits filed Wednesday in federal courts in New York and Washington accuse the Interior Department, Heritage Auctions, Buckle-Down and GameMill Entertainment of using “Peanuts” music without permission.
Lee Mendelson Film Productions says the alleged infringement covered social media posts and a video game, involving songs including “Linus and Lucy” and “O Tannenbaum.”
Lawyer Marc Jacobson said the company sued all four on the same day after repeated demand letters either drew no response or replies showing little concern about the unlicensed use.
The filings also highlight a broader licensing dispute around online platforms: the company says it has no TikTok licensing deal, and music on Meta apps is cleared only for personal—not commercial—use.
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