The future of the Charlie Brown Jr. band name remains contested as a legal battle intensifies in Brazil following the 2013 death of frontman Chorão. Former bandmates Marcão and Thiago are now seeking full rights to perform and profit from the group’s popular catalog,challenging claims made by Alexandre,representing Chorão’s estate. A recent ruling by Brazil’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) has bolstered their case, citing prior attempts by Chorão to trademark the name were denied due to existing rights held by the Peanuts comic strip franchise.
A legal battle is unfolding over the iconic name Charlie Brown Jr., as band members Marcão and Thiago seek court approval to use it for upcoming performances.
The pair are also asserting in court that they are the rightful owners of the Charlie Brown Jr. band name, denying claims that rights were sold to Alexandre, representing the estate of Chorão, the band’s late frontman.
On Friday, March 5, attorney Jorge Roque, representing Marcão and Thiago Britto, released the following statement:
“The INPI made the correct decision in annulling the registration of the Charlie Brown Jr. trademark, as Alexandre and Graziela did not inherit such trademark, because Chorão did not have its registration with the INPI. He even tried to register it while he was alive, but the INPI denied the request because the name Charlie Brown is owned by Peanuts. The current decision simply restores the understanding that already existed. Therefore, the trademark was not Chorão’s and cannot be Alexandre’s either.”
Marcão and Thiago view the INPI’s decision as a significant victory, reinforcing their long-held position in ongoing legal disputes: the illegitimacy of Alexandre’s attempts to prevent them from using the Charlie Brown Jr. name on tour. Because Alexandre is not the trademark owner – now definitively confirmed by the INPI – he cannot prevent its use by the musicians. Furthermore, the band is inextricably linked to the personal and professional lives of the guitarists, who, alongside Chorão, co-authored the band’s numerous hits and contributed to its immense success throughout its existence.
The courts have already authorized Marcão and Thiago to use the Charlie Brown Jr. name, but in conjunction with their own names, recognizing their professional and personal rights. This INPI decision potentially opens the door to using the Charlie Brown Jr. name without restrictions, without that association, but that is still being evaluated. Overall, we believe the INPI’s decision has completely removed any rights that Alexandre claimed to have over the trademark.”
A legal dispute is brewing over the legacy of Brazilian rock band Charlie Brown Jr., with former members Marcão and Thiago seeking the right to perform under the group’s name. The band, hugely popular in Brazil, has been at the center of a trademark battle since the death of frontman Chorão in 2013.
According to a statement released on March 5 by attorney Jorge Roque, representing Marcão and Thiago Britto, the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) correctly annulled a trademark registration attempt by Alexandre, representing Chorão’s estate. Roque argued that Chorão never actually registered the trademark himself, and that the name “Charlie Brown” is already owned by the Peanuts comic strip franchise.
“The INPI made the correct decision in annulling the registration of the Charlie Brown Jr. trademark, as Alexandre and Graziela did not inherit such trademark, because Chorão did not have its registration with the INPI,” Roque stated. “He even tried to register it while he was alive, but the INPI denied the request because the name Charlie Brown is owned by Peanuts. The current decision simply restores the understanding that already existed. Therefore, the trademark was not Chorão’s and cannot be Alexandre’s either.”
The legal team contends that Alexandre’s attempts to block Marcão and Thiago from touring as Charlie Brown Jr. are unfounded. They emphasize that the band’s identity is deeply intertwined with the contributions of all its members, including the two guitarists who co-wrote many of the band’s hits.
“Marcão and Thiago view the INPI’s decision as a significant victory, reinforcing their long-held position in ongoing legal disputes: the illegitimacy of Alexandre’s attempts to prevent them from using the Charlie Brown Jr. name on tour,” Roque continued. “Because Alexandre is not the trademark owner – now definitively confirmed by the INPI – he cannot prevent its use by the musicians.”
While courts have previously allowed Marcão and Thiago to use the name alongside their own, the INPI ruling potentially clears the way for unrestricted use of the Charlie Brown Jr. moniker. The band’s representatives are currently evaluating the full implications of the decision. The outcome of this case could significantly impact how the band’s music and legacy are presented to fans moving forward.
