'Charlie Brown Christmas' song owners sue Dollywood: Reports
by Xeni Jardin from on (#4S9XP)
The owners of the copyright for the theme song to the "Charlie Brown Christmas" TV special are suing Dolly Parton's 'Dollywood' in federal court for copyright infringement.
The complaint is reported to charge Dollywood with having used the song without permission in live Christmas performances at the Tennessee theme park since 2007.
From the Associated Press:
The lawsuit says Los Angeles-based Lee Mendelson Film Productions owns the copyright and is asking for $150,000 for every time the song has been used.
According to the suit, "Christmas Time is Here" was written by Lee Mendelson and Vince Guaraldi for the 1965 television special "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
AP says Dollywood "is aware of the lawsuit," no comment on pending litigation.