Noel Redding Estate Limited & Anor v Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited

Noel Redding Estate Limited & Anor v Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited

Section 180(3) does not shield parties from infringement unless acts are done in pursuance of arrangements with a sufficient nexus; mere historical consent is insufficient. The copyright claim is not statute-barred as it is not an action for an account nor a claim to partnership assets, but a claim for infringement by joint owners against a third party.

Parties
Claimant/respondent: Noel Redding Estate Limited; Claimant/respondent: Mitch Mitchell Estate Limited; Defendant/appellant: Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
02 June 2025
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Appeal From High Court, Post Interlocutory Order
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Copyright Ownership, Performers' Rights, Transitional Provisions, Limitation Periods, Account of Profits
Intellectual Property Partnership Law Civil Procedure Copyright Ownership Performers' Rights Transitional Provisions Limitation Periods Account of Profits

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Parties

Noel Redding Estate Limited

Claimant/respondent

Mitch Mitchell Estate Limited

Claimant/respondent

Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited

Defendant/appellant

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Appeal From High Court, Post Interlocutory Order

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether exploitation of sound recordings infringes performers' property rights under Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and subsequent regulations
  2. 2 Whether copyright claims are statute-barred as claims to partnership assets under Limitation Act 1980

Ratio Decidendi

Section 180(3) does not shield parties from infringement unless acts are done in pursuance of arrangements with a sufficient nexus; mere historical consent is insufficient. The copyright claim is not statute-barred as it is not an action for an account nor a claim to partnership assets, but a claim for infringement by joint owners against a third party.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Sony's application to strike out or for summary judgment dismissed
  • Claimants' claims for declarations and financial remedies may proceed