Pepperdine sues Netflix and Warner Bros. over Mindy Kaling’s “Running Point” series

Pepperdine University filed a lawsuit Thursday claiming that Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery's new series, Running Point, infringes on its trademarks. The university argues that the comedy — which features Kate Hudson as a party girl who inherits her family’s NBA team, the fictional “Waves” — is too similar to Pepperdine’s own team, also called the Waves. While the premise of the show may seem innocuous, Pepperdine claims that the use of the same team name, along with the school’s signature colors of orange and blue, could cause confusion and falsely suggest an affiliation between the university and the show.

But it doesn’t stop there. The show also features a fictional player wearing the number 37 — a number directly tied to Pepperdine’s mascot and the university’s founding year of 1937. This, according to the lawsuit, is not just coincidental but a direct nod to Pepperdine’s identity. The university argues that these elements go beyond homage and encroach on their established brand, confusing viewers into thinking the show has some connection to their actual athletic program.

While trademark infringement is the main issue in the lawsuit, Pepperdine’s concerns also extend to the themes of the show. Running Point is described as a comedy that includes explicit content, substance use, nudity, and profanity. For a university that holds strong Christian values and emphasizes a wholesome educational environment, this is a serious problem. The university’s legal team argues that the show’s portrayal of these themes is at odds with the family-friendly, faith-driven image they have worked to cultivate over the years.

In the lawsuit, Pepperdine states, “The university has also expressed deep concerns about some of the series’ themes, which include explicit content, substance use, nudity, and profanity—elements that are inconsistent with Pepperdine’s Christian values and reputation.” Essentially, Pepperdine believes that the series, while fictional, may tarnish its public image by associating it with a show that features these controversial elements.

After attempting to resolve the issue privately, including sending cease-and-desist letters and making phone calls, Pepperdine has now turned to the courts for a resolution. The university filed its complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, seeking "injunctive relief" to prevent further use of its trademarks in the show and an unspecified amount in monetary damages. The legal action is the latest in a growing number of disputes over intellectual property, but this one is unique in its combination of trademark issues and concerns over content.

As the case moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the court handles the conflict between creative freedom and protecting intellectual property, particularly when it involves a university’s brand and reputation. For now, Netflix and Warner Bros. have not commented on the lawsuit, and Running Point is still set to premiere next week on Netflix.
With the case still in its early stages, it’s unclear how it will impact Running Point’s release or the future of its creative direction. But one thing is for certain — Pepperdine’s lawsuit is making waves in the entertainment world, and Netflix’s upcoming comedy may have to adjust its playbook before it even hits the screen.