CBS Reaches Licensing Agreement with Lee Mendelson Film Productions Following Late Show Broadcast

CBS has finalized a licensing agreement with Lee Mendelson Film Productions (LMFP) to address the unauthorized use of the “Linus and Lucy” theme song during the final broadcast of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, the proceeds from this licensing deal will be donated to World Central Kitchen, the non-profit organization founded by Chef José Andrés.

Why Did CBS Need a Licensing Agreement?

The need for a formal agreement arose after the network aired a segment featuring the iconic Vince Guaraldi composition “Linus and Lucy,” which is owned by LMFP. While the broadcast was intended as a tribute, copyright law requires media entities to secure synchronization licenses for the use of protected music, regardless of the duration of the clip or the intent of the performance. Jason Mendelson, chairman of LMFP, confirmed the resolution, noting that the company found the usage “funny and entertaining” and expressed pride in supporting the mission of World Central Kitchen.

How Copyright Impacts Broadcast Media

This incident highlights the rigid nature of intellectual property enforcement in the entertainment industry. Under U.S. copyright law, musical compositions are protected assets, and owners maintain the exclusive right to authorize their use. Unlike some fair use defenses—which are often fact-specific and subject to litigation—a formal licensing agreement provides a definitive legal shield for networks. By securing this license, CBS effectively mitigated the risk of a copyright infringement lawsuit, a common legal standard for major broadcasting networks aiming to avoid costly courtroom disputes over intellectual property.

Contextualizing the Dispute

LMFP has been active in protecting its Charlie Brown music catalog, having filed multiple lawsuits against various entities for unauthorized use of its copyrighted material. While the public nature of the CBS broadcast garnered significant attention, the company’s decision to direct the licensing fees to charity distinguishes this specific settlement from standard commercial licensing deals. A spokesperson for CBS confirmed the existence of the agreement but declined to provide further details regarding the financial terms or the status of other outstanding legal actions involving LMFP.

Key Takeaways

• Legal Resolution: CBS entered a licensing agreement with LMFP following the use of “Linus and Lucy” on The Late Show.
• Charitable Outcome: The licensing proceeds are designated for World Central Kitchen, an organization providing humanitarian aid in disaster zones.
• Copyright Standards: The incident underscores that even brief uses of protected music require proper licensing to avoid potential litigation.
• Active Enforcement: LMFP continues to pursue legal remedies against various parties to protect its music catalog, demonstrating the firm’s commitment to its intellectual property rights.

As networks continue to balance creative content with strict copyright compliance, this case serves as a reminder that intellectual property rights remain a fundamental constraint in television production. Future uses of protected music, even in late-night comedy segments, will likely remain subject to rigorous licensing requirements to ensure compliance with federal law.