UK Court Allows Jimi Hendrix Copyright Case Against Sony to Proceed to Trial

Sony Music Entertainment is set to face a full trial over the ownership of music recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience after a UK appeals court dismissed its attempts to block a lawsuit from the estates of band members Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell. The estates argue they have a rightful claim to royalties from the band's iconic albums, including 'Are You Experienced' and 'Electric Ladyland,' based on an alleged oral agreement regarding profit sharing from 1967. The court's ruling affirms that there is sufficient doubt regarding the ownership of the rights, particularly in light of evolving technology like streaming. The trial is scheduled for December 2025, following a lengthy legal battle that began in November 2021. Sony contends that all rights were transferred to Hendrix's estate after his death, but the estates maintain that they are entitled to a share of profits. The decision marks a significant step in a dispute that has lasted over three years.