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SpongeBob SquarePants controversies

Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.

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  1. 2021

    ViacomCBS sues The Rusty Krab over alleged SpongeBob trademark infringement

    Lawsuit filed

    ViacomCBS sued The Rusty Krab restaurant, alleging that it infringes trademarks by using names, images, characters and recreations from SpongeBob SquarePants; the report does not establish a court determination.

    Source excerpt

    • The Texan restaurant infringes on trademarks by using names, images, characters, and re-creations from the show across its dining area and menu, according to legal documents seen by TMZ.
    • ViacomCBS Sues The Rusty Krab Restaurant, Claiming It Rips Off ‘Spongebob’
    Source

  2. 2005

    Debate over the tolerance video and perceived sexual symbolism

    A Christian fundamentalist group objected to SpongeBob's inclusion in a tolerance and diversity video, claiming that the project promoted homosexuality. Hillenburg rejected the interpretation and said the character was conceived without consideration of sexual preference. Later commentators examined the character's friendships and gender presentation, but no canonical romantic orientation was established in the cited material.

    Source