Pepperdine University Sues Netflix and Warner Bros. Over Trademark Infringement in “Running Point”

Pepperdine University has initiated legal action against Netflix, Inc. and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., alleging trademark infringement related to the upcoming comedy series “Running Point.” The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, seeks to prevent further use of the university’s trademarks and to obtain damages for the alleged unauthorized use of its branding.

“Running Point,” set to premiere on February 27, 2025, features a fictional Los Angeles-based professional basketball team named the “Waves.” Pepperdine asserts that this team name, along with the show’s use of blue and orange colors and the number “37,” closely mirrors the university’s own athletic branding. The number “37” holds particular significance for Pepperdine, representing its founding year, 1937. The university contends that these similarities are likely to cause confusion and falsely suggest an affiliation between Pepperdine and the series.

Sean Burnett, Pepperdine’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, stated, “Without our permission, Netflix continues to promote ‘Running Point,’ a new series that has misappropriated our trademarked name, the Waves, our colors, blue and orange, our hometown of Los Angeles, and even the year we … .” He emphasized that the university’s decision to seek court intervention was due to the “flagrant disregard for our intellectual property and… ,” coupled with the defendants’ refusal to address Pepperdine’s concerns.

The university also expressed concerns about the show’s content, which reportedly includes explicit language, substance use, and other mature themes. Pepperdine argues that association with such content could harm its reputation as a  Christian institution.

Despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue amicably, including sending cease-and-desist letters, Netflix and Warner Bros. have continued with the promotion of “Running Point.” As a result, Pepperdine is seeking injunctive relief to prevent further… its trademarks, as well as monetary damages for the alleged infringement.

As of now, representatives for Netflix and Warner Bros. have not publicly responded to the lawsuit.