The Legal Setback

Pepperdine University has encountered a significant hurdle in its ongoing trademark infringement lawsuit against Netflix, Inc. and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. The Malibu-based institution filed suit on February 20 alleging "unauthorized use" of its "Pepperdine Waves" athletic branding in the new 10-episode series Running Point. Despite the university's request for immediate intervention, a court denied their motion for a temporary restraining order this week, allowing the series to premiere as scheduled on February 27.

Key Allegations & Dispute Details

1. The Core Infringement Claims

The dispute centers on the fictional basketball team featured in the series, which stars Kate Hudson and is inspired by the story of Jeanie Buss.

• Visual Resemblance: In the show, Hudson’s character becomes president of the "Los Angeles Waves." Pepperdine claims this fictional team utilizes the university's specific blue and orange color scheme and a wave logo that bears a "striking resemblance" to its longstanding athletics program.
  

• Misappropriation: Sean Burnett, Pepperdine’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, stated that the show has "misappropriated our trademarked name, the Waves, our colors, blue and orange, our hometown of Los Angeles, and even the year we were founded."
  

2. Institutional Damage and Values

Beyond the visual similarities, the university argues that the show's portrayal poses a risk to its reputation.

• Consumer Confusion: Pepperdine claims the show suggests an affiliation between the university and the series where none exists.
  

• Value Conflict: The university asserts that many of the show's themes are "inconsistent with the university's Christian values."
  

Conclusion

While the denial of the temporary restraining order represents an initial setback for Pepperdine, the legal battle is not over. The university stated that "the case will now continue on its regular course." The administration maintains that court intervention is necessary due to the entertainment companies' "flagrant disregard" for their intellectual property and their "continued refusal to resolve Pepperdine's concerns."