Peanuts music owner files lawsuits against three companies and U.S. government
Lee Mendelson Film Productions filed four copyright suits in federal courts in New York and Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. The company alleges that defendants used Vince Guaraldi’s music from the “Peanuts” television specials without authorization. The claims target the U.S. Department of the Interior, Heritage Auctions, Buckle‑Down Inc., and GameMill Entertainment.
The first suit accuses the Interior Department of posting a digital holiday card that included a rendition of “O Tannenbaum” from “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The second suit alleges that Heritage Auctions used the melody of “Linus and Lucy” in Facebook and Instagram posts promoting a collectibles auction. Buckle‑Down Inc., a belt manufacturer, is also accused of employing the same tune in its Peanuts‑themed product promotions.
The fourth suit claims that GameMill Entertainment incorporated music that closely mimics Guaraldi’s “Linus and Lucy” and “Skating” in its 2025 video game “Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club” without permission. Lee Mendelson Film Productions seeks financial damages, including $300,000 from GameMill, and injunctions to halt further use. The company’s attorney stated that it will enforce its rights vigorously.