No Joke, Harvard Lampoon Tells National Lampoon

LOS ANGELES (CN) - The companies behind "Animal House" and the "National Lampoon's Vacation" series are fighting licensing fees for the National Lampoon name. The Harvard Lampoon demands $145,000 from moviemaker National Lampoon. Harvard claims National hasn't paid any licensing fees in nearly 4 years.

The Harvard Lampoon, a humor magazine, says it licensed the name to National Lampoon's predecessor, J2 Communications, in 1969. Harvard Lampoon claims that National Lampoon "has failed to pay any sums owed to petitioner since January 1, 2007, despite having earned revenues on activities covered by the licensing agreement. On information and belief, NL has diverted funds otherwise due and owing to petitioner for other purposes, including funding other litigation to which NL is a party."

Harvard Lampoon says it offered to arbitrate its concerns in October, but National Lampoon never responded.

Harvard Lampoon asks for a writ of attachment and to be given priority among National Lampoon's creditors.

Two days after Harvard Lampoon filed this complaint in Superior Court, National Lampoon shareholders filed a class action against the moviemaker in Los Angeles Federal Court, claiming it had propped up its share price through false and misleading statements.

Harvard Lampoon is represented by Judith Sasaki and David Pash with Simke, Chodos & Sasaki.

Follow @@karinapdx

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit