CBS has reached a settlement with Lee Mendelson Film Productions, Inc.

following the unauthorized use of the Vince Guaraldi composition "Linus and Lucy" during the May finale of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert." While the exact amount remains undisclosed, the agreement stipulates that the proceeds will be donated to Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen.

This development highlights the ongoing efforts by Lee Mendelson Film Productions to protect the copyright of the Guaraldi song catalog.

The segment in question aired on May 21, featuring Louis Cato and the Great Big Joy Machine performing "Linus and Lucy" while Stephen Colbert humorously discussed Lee Mendelson Film Productions' copyright enforcement.

During the performance, Colbert light-heartedly remarked, "Oh no!

I hope this doesn’t cost CBS any money!"

World Central Kitchen is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing meals globally during crises, including natural disasters and civil unrest.

This donation follows a separate contribution of $2.5 million made by "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" and Colbert himself to World Central Kitchen and Andrés on the show's penultimate episode.

Lee Mendelson Film Productions, which manages Guaraldi’s music, has recently intensified its copyright protection efforts.

The company has initiated several legal actions against various parties, including an apparel accessories manufacturer, a video game producer, a collectibles auction house, and the U.S.

Department of the Interior, all for unauthorized use of its copyrighted material.

According to a press release from the company, these lawsuits aim "to halt a pattern of infringement that threatens to diminish the integrity of these protected works, the Guaraldi music legacy, and other cherished creative content vulnerable to misuse in the modern media landscape." Jason Mendelson, chairman of Lee Mendelson Film Productions, commented on "The Late Show" incident, stating that the company found the music's use "funny and entertaining" and is "proud to support World Central Kitchen’s mission." He added that a primary goal of their enforcement actions is to educate individuals and entities about the necessity of obtaining written license agreements for commercial music use.