Pepperdine University Files Trademark Lawsuit Against Netflix Over Basketball Team Branding

Pepperdine University has filed a trademark lawsuit against Netflix, alleging that an upcoming TV series infringes on the institution’s branding and intellectual property. The series, titled “Running Point,” features a fictional basketball team with the same name, the Waves, and other elements that closely resemble Pepperdine’s identity. The university, based in Malibu, Calif., is associated with the Churches of Christ and has raised concerns about the unauthorized use of its trademarks.

In a statement, Pepperdine emphasized that Netflix and Warner Bros. have disregarded its attempts to resolve the dispute privately. The university claims the show misappropriates its name, colors, and other branding elements, potentially causing confusion between the fictional team and the real institution. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, also highlights concerns about the show’s content, which includes explicit material and other elements inconsistent with Pepperdine’s Christian values.

The complaint outlines the university’s belief that the association with Pepperdine could damage its reputation and institutional identity. Pepperdine’s Step Team, which wears jerseys with the team’s signature No. 37, is part of the university’s broader athletic and cultural identity. The show, created by Mindy Kaling and starring Kate Hudson, carries a TV-MA rating, indicating its content is intended for mature audiences.

Netflix and Warner Bros. have not publicly responded to the complaint, according to news reports. A judge in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California denied Pepperdine’s request for a temporary injunction, which would have prevented the show from premiering on Feb. 27. The case continues as the university seeks legal recourse to protect its intellectual property and institutional identity.

The dispute underscores the importance of protecting the reputations and identities of institutions, especially those rooted in Christian values. As the case unfolds, it raises questions about the balance between creative expression and the rights of institutions to safeguard their branding. The situation also highlights the potential for media content to impact the public perception of religiously affiliated organizations.

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