Pepperdine University Sues Netflix and Warner Bros. Over Basketball Comedy 'Running Point'

The university claims the show infringes on its trademarks, including team name, colors, and branding, while misaligning with its values.

Pepperdine University has filed a lawsuit against Netflix and Warner Bros., alleging trademark infringement in the upcoming series 'Running Point.'
'Running Point,' co-created by Mindy Kaling, features a fictional NBA team called the Waves, which the university claims closely resembles its own NCAA basketball team in name, colors, and branding.
The university argues that the show’s depiction of the Waves, including the use of the number 37 associated with Pepperdine’s founding year, creates potential public confusion about an affiliation.
Pepperdine, a private Christian university, objects to the series’ themes, citing content involving substance use, explicit imagery, and profanity as inconsistent with its values.
The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, monetary damages, and corrective advertising to clarify that the university is not associated with the show, which is set to premiere on Netflix on February 27.