Estate of Denial:  EMI Music could lose its grip on one of the most famous pieces of film music ever created — “The Pink Panther Theme,” written by the late Henry Mancini for the 1963 film.

Late last month, Mancini’s publishing company, Northridge Music Inc., controlled by the composer’s heirs, filed a claim at the American Arbitration Association that seeks more than $1.35 million in unpaid “net profits” on music for The Pink Panther film. The heirs are also seeking punitive damages and want EMI’s administration rights terminated due to alleged malfeasance and breach of fiduciary duty.”