Pelham (Notion de "pastiche") (Copyright and related rights - Reproduction of parts of a phonogram (sampling) - Judgment) [2026] EUECJ C-590/23 (14 April 2026)

Pelham (Notion de "pastiche") (Copyright and related rights - Reproduction of parts of a phonogram (sampling) - Judgment) [2026] EUECJ C-590/23 (14 April 2026)

Article 5(3)(k) of Directive 2001/29 does not create a catch-all exception for any artistic engagement with existing works. The 'pastiche' exception applies only to creations that evoke one or more existing works, are noticeably different from them, and use characteristic elements in a recognisable artistic or...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2026] EUECJ C-590/23
Parties
Applicant: CG; Applicant: YN (successor in title to RL); Respondent: Pelham GmbH; Respondent: SD; Respondent: UP
Jurisdiction
European Union
Judgment Date
14 April 2026
Procedural Posture
Preliminary Ruling (reference for Interpretation) / Court of Justice of the European Union (grand Chamber) Preliminary Ruling
Outcome
Questions answered; interpretation provided for national court.
Legal Topics
Copyright, Related Rights, Exceptions and Limitations, Pastiche, Sampling, Freedom of Expression, Freedom of the Arts
Intellectual Property Law European Union Law Copyright Related Rights Exceptions and Limitations Pastiche Sampling Freedom of Expression +1 more

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Parties

CG

Applicant

YN (successor in title to RL)

Applicant

Pelham GmbH

Respondent

SD

Respondent

UP

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Preliminary Ruling (reference for Interpretation) / Court of Justice of the European Union (grand Chamber) Preliminary Ruling

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Interpretation of Article 5(3)(k) of Directive 2001/29/EC regarding the scope of the 'pastiche' exception to copyright and related rights; whether the exception has a catch-all nature or is subject to limiting criteria; whether intent is required for use to be 'for the purpose' of pastiche.

Ratio Decidendi

Article 5(3)(k) of Directive 2001/29 does not create a catch-all exception for any artistic engagement with existing works. The 'pastiche' exception applies only to creations that evoke one or more existing works, are noticeably different from them, and use characteristic elements in a recognisable artistic or creative dialogue, which may take the form of stylistic imitation, tribute, or humorous/critical engagement. The 'pastiche' nature must be objectively recognisable to persons familiar with the original work; subjective intent is not required.

Court Disposition

Questions answered; interpretation provided for national court.

Orders

  • Article 5(3)(k) of Directive 2001/29 does not have a catch-all nature but covers creations evoking existing works, noticeably different, using characteristic elements for recognisable artistic or creative dialogue.
  • For use to be 'for the purpose' of pastiche, it is sufficient that the pastiche nature is recognisable to a person familiar with the original work; intent is not required.