Lee Mendelson Film Productions, the company managing the music of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and other “Peanuts” specials, filed four lawsuits on Wednesday. These lawsuits target the U.S. Department of the Interior, among others, accusing them of illegal use of pianist Vince Guaraldi’s jazz compositions in social media posts and a video game.
Suits were filed in federal courts in New York and Washington, D.C., naming defendants such as a video game company, an auction house, and a belt-maker. One lawsuit specifically claims that the Interior Department used Guaraldi’s arrangement of “O Tannenbaum” from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” without permission in a digital holiday card shared on social media. A Department spokesperson stated via email to The Associated Press that they do not comment on ongoing litigation.
Another legal action involves Heritage Auctions, accused of using “Linus and Lucy”—a song associated with the “Peanuts” theme—in Facebook and Instagram posts advertising a collectibles auction. The lawsuit against Buckle-Down Inc., a belt company creating “Peanuts”-themed products, raises similar issues regarding social media misuse.
Christina Rees of Heritage Auctions stated in an email that they have not yet been served with or reviewed the complaint. She assured that once received, they would examine the allegations thoroughly. Other defendants have not responded to requests for comment.
The intensified legal actions aim to address what Lee Mendelson Film Productions describes as an overwhelming digital misuse of the music. Attorney Marc Jacobson remarked that the company will no longer tolerate unlicensed usage, particularly in an age of instant digital sharing. He emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of creators and preserving iconic cultural assets.
Peanuts Worldwide LLC, which owns the characters of Charlie Brown and Snoopy, is not part of these lawsuits. However, one of the suits alleges GameMill Entertainment used music in the 2025 “Peanuts” video game, “Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club,” that closely imitates Guaraldi’s compositions like “Linus and Lucy” and “Skating,” without seeking permission. The company seeks at least $300,000 in damages from GameMill, as well as injunctions to halt all alleged infringements immediately.
“Lee Mendelson Film Productions of Burlingame, California, was founded by and named for the producer who collaborated with ‘Peanuts’ creator Charles Schulz and director Bill Melendez to create the TV specials based on Schulz’s comic strip, starting with 1965’s ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas.'”
Lee Mendelson, who passed away in 2019, hired jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi to provide the memorable music, including “Christmas Time Is Here” and “Linus and Lucy.” In a 2021 CBS News interview, Jason Mendelson, Lee’s son, shared that his father convinced Charles Schulz to develop “Charlie Brown Christmas” for CBS. Schulz agreed to write the script while Mendelson found the perfect music through Guaraldi’s compositions.
Guaraldi, a celebrated jazz pianist from San Francisco, had already won a Grammy for “Cast Your Fate to the Wind.” His music became indelibly linked to “Peanuts” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Although initially instrumental, Mendelson felt a song needed lyrics; he quickly penned them himself. The children’s choir, including members of the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church youth choir in San Rafael, California, provided the singing voices.
Guaraldi praised working with the young singers, noting their talent. The song “Christmas Time Is Here” has become a beloved holiday classic, forever connecting Guaraldi’s music to the warmth of the season.
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