Bagdasarian Productions
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | February 20, 1961 |
| Founder | Ross Bagdasarian Sr. |
| Headquarters | United States |
Key people | Ross Bagdasarian Jr., Janice Karman |
| Products | Alvin and the Chipmunks franchise |
Bagdasarian Productions—also referred to as the Bagdasarian Company—is a U.S.-based entertainment production firm established by Ross Bagdasarian Sr. (known as David Seville) on February 20, 1961. The enterprise holds ownership of the intellectual property rights for Alvin and the Chipmunks and its related franchises. Presently, the company is under the leadership and management of Ross Bagdasarian Jr. alongside Janice Karman. Bagdasarian Productions has collaborated in producing a variety of television series, specials, and films, while actively protecting its intellectual property through legal proceedings.
Television shows
| # | Title | Aired | Original network | Number of episodes | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Alvin Show | 1961–1962 | CBS | 26 | 1 |
| 2 | Alvin and the Chipmunks | 1983–1990 | NBC | 102 | 8 |
| 3 | ALVINNN!!! and the Chipmunks | 2015–2023 | M6, Nickelodeon France Nickelodeon (U.S.) |
130 | 5 |
Feature films
- The Chipmunk Adventure (1987)
Universal Studios, Inc. (2000)
In 2000, Bagdasarian Productions initiated a $100 million lawsuit against Universal Studios, accusing them of violating contract terms by failing to adequately promote Alvin and the Chipmunks within their family entertainment divisions. The case concluded in 2002 with a victory for Bagdasarian Productions, which regained complete control over its characters.
Second phase: (2011)
- Bagdasarian Productions filed suit against Capitol Records over alleged unpaid royalties spanning 2005 to 2009, citing breach of contract. Capitol Records had redirected royalties to The Harry Fox Agency—Bagdasarian’s former representative—which returned the funds as they no longer acted on behalf of Bagdasarian Productions. The company asserted that Capitol Records retained these royalties unlawfully, seeking compensation amounting to roughly $0.09 per song reproduced or distributed during that timeframe.
20th Century Fox (2010–2012)
Bagdasarian Productions pursued legal action concerning Janice Karman’s involvement in rewriting the screenplay for Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel. After Fox rejected the original draft, Karman was requested to revise it and subsequently Fox demanded half of the movie’s profits. Additional allegations included breach of contract due to Fox licensing the film to HBO—resulting in diminished revenue—and underpayment of royalties related to soundtrack sales and merchandise. Ultimately, all claims were resolved in favor of 20th Century Fox.
St. Clair Entertainment Group, Inc. (2009)
Bagdasarian Productions took legal measures against St. Clair Entertainment Group for distributing an unauthorized album titled A Tribute to Alvin and the Chipmunks, which featured artwork and trademark designs closely resembling those owned by Bagdasarian without permission. The court issued an injunction preventing any further manufacturing, marketing, or distribution of these infringing products.
Big Eye Records (2009)
A lawsuit was filed by Bagdasarian Productions targeting Big Eye Records and distributor Orchard Enterprises over an unauthorized album called Renditions of Alvin & the Chipmunks. This release contained twelve tracks identical to those from the official soundtrack and utilized protected trademarks without authorization. The company sought damages exceeding $1 million, leading to a court order halting further sales and distribution of these products.
Jerry Naylor Company, LLC (2011)
Bagdasarian Productions initiated legal action against Jerry Naylor Company, Megabop Records, and San Juan Music Group for distributing an unauthorized album named A Tribute to Alvin and the Chipmunks, which imitated the official soundtrack. The claim sought damages exceeding $1 million; nevertheless, the involved parties reached a settlement prior to any judicial decision.