CALIFORNIA — CBS entered into a licensing agreement with Lee Mendelson Film Productions for the use of Vince Guaraldi's music on the program. This agreement followed an on-air performance of Guaraldi's composition "Linus and Lucy" during the May finale of the program.

During the appearance, television host Stephen Colbert played the music while Louis Cato and the Great Big Joy Machine performed the song. Colbert stated, "Oh no! I hope this doesn’t cost CBS any money!" The terms of the licensing agreement, including the financial amount, were not disclosed.

The company will donate all proceeds from the agreement to World Central Kitchen, a disaster-relief food nonprofit organization founded by chef José Andrés. Colbert had previously donated $2.5 million to World Central Kitchen during the penultimate episode of the program.

Jason Mendelson, company chairman, commented on the agreement. "LMFP found the music’s use on The Late Show funny and entertaining, and is proud to support World Central Kitchen’s mission," Mendelson said. He added, "A principal goal of our enforcement actions is to educate individuals, businesses, and government entities about the need to obtain written license agreements to use music in a commercial setting."

The company has filed legal actions against multiple entities, including an apparel accessories manufacturer, a video game producer, a collectibles auction house, and the U.S. Department of the Interior, for the unauthorized use of Guaraldi's music. The company stated in a press release that these lawsuits aim to halt infringement patterns that could threaten the integrity of protected works. Lee Mendelson, who founded the production company, worked with Charles M. Schulz, Bill Melendez, and Vince Guaraldi on animated Peanuts specials. Charles M. Schulz moved to Santa Rosa, California, in 1969 and resided there until his death in 2000.