A new basketball-themed series, “Running Point,” starring Kate Hudson, is the subject of a lawsuit against Netflix and Warner Bros. The show’s creators, including Mindy Kaling, have been accused of infringing on Pepperdine University’s trademarks by using similar team names, logos, colors, and branding.
Pepperdine’s lawsuit claims that the show’s fictional team, the Waves, bears an “unmistakable resemblance” to the university’s athletic teams, including basketball. The school’s attorneys argue that the similarities are not coincidental, but rather a result of the show’s creators borrowing from Pepperdine’s trademarked name, colors, and branding.
The lawsuit also alleges that the show’s depiction of risqué behavior, substance use, and foul language may harm Pepperdine’s reputation and ability to recruit students, athletes, and faculty. The university is seeking “injunctive relief” to prevent further use of its trademarks, undisclosed damages, and a removal of all Waves-related imagery from the show’s marketing.
The show is set to premiere on Netflix on February 27. Representatives for Netflix, Warner Bros., and the show’s creators have not commented on the lawsuit.
Source: https://ew.com/pepperdine-university-sues-netflix-warner-bros-over-mindy-kaling-show-running-point-11684577