Feb 3 (Reuters) - Sony Pictures Television,

which produces syndicated TV game shows "Wheel of Fortune" and

"Jeopardy!", told distributor CBS Studios on Monday that it is

taking back global distribution of the programs because of

alleged contract violations by CBS.

A CBS spokesperson said the company will seek a temporary

restraining order to keep current arrangements in place while

its dispute with Sony ( SONY ) plays out in court.

In its letter, Sony ( SONY ) said it terminated CBS's distribution

rights in August. CBS is a unit of Paramount Global ( PARAA ).

CBS sent a letter to client TV stations and networks on

Monday saying that Sony ( SONY ) does not have the right to terminate the

distribution agreement and that it remains the distributor of

the TV shows.

"Any contention by Sony ( SONY ) that it has reclaimed the

distribution rights is subject to ongoing judicial proceedings,

and CBS will be seeking immediate relief from the appropriate

courts," CBS said in a letter to clients and seen by Reuters.

Sony ( SONY ) filed a lawsuit against CBS in October, alleging the

distributor had undercut the value of the long-running shows in

favor of its own interests.

The studio claimed CBS licensed the shows at below-market

rates, both domestically and abroad, failed to maximize ad

revenue and bundled the popular game shows with its own

less-popular series.

The case is pending in state Superior Court in Los Angeles.