Judge sweeps clouds away for makers of R-rated puppet movie

This image released by STX Films shows the poster art for “The Happytime Murders,” a film starring Melissa McCarthy. A judge in New York has ruled against the makers of “Sesame Street” in a dispute with the distributor of the upcoming film. U.S. District Judge Vernon Broderick ruled Wednesday that distributor can continue to use the tagline “No sesame. All street” in promoting the R-rated film, which features Muppet-like puppets in a comedic crime story. (STX Films via AP)

NEW YORK — A judge in New York has ruled against the makers of “Sesame Street” in a dispute with the distributor of the upcoming Melissa McCarthy movie, “The Happytime Murders.”

United States District Judge Vernon Broderick ruled on Wednesday that distributor STX Productions can continue to use the tagline “No sesame. All street” in promoting the R-rated film, which features Muppet-like puppets in a comedic crime story.

Sesame Workshop sued last week, seeking to end the inclusion of the tagline in promotional materials ahead of the film’s August 17 release. The company argued the public would be confused and think the movie was supported by “Sesame Street.”

The judge heard oral arguments before issuing his ruling. He said Sesame Workshop did not demonstrate that moviegoers were confused or that sponsors or parents were complaining.      /kga