Pepperdine University, of Malibu, CA, has issued proceedings against Netflix and Warner Bros for alleged trade mark infringement relating to the latest Netflix original series ‘Running Point’, released this week. The series follows a woman (Kate Hudson) who becomes the new owner of a basketball franchise named the Los Angeles Waves, whose name Pepperdine University claims is strikingly similar to its own basketball team’s, the Pepperdine Waves.
In its filing with the court, Pepperdine University alleged the fictitious LA Waves’ logo, branding, and colourways are suspiciously similar to those of its own Waves, further suggesting that the series also notably promotes the number 37, which is worn by its own mascot to signify the university’s founding year.
Pepperdine University asserted that all of the above will cause customer confusion and suggest false affiliation between the university and the series. In a statement, the university expressed concerns that the themes of the series, including “explicit content, substance use, nudity, and profanity” are “inconsistent with Pepperdine’s Christian values and reputation” and would thereby significantly damage its reputation.
The university had sought an interim injunction against Netflix and Warner Bros, seemingly to prevent the series’ release, though was unsuccessful in its pursuit. It remains to be seen if it shall be successful in the proceedings on the whole.
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