Sony Music has failed in its latest attempt to prevent the estates of Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell pursuing their claims for infringement of copyright and performers’ rights to trial.

Today, the Court of Appeal dismissed both grounds relied upon by Sony in support of the appeal.

Sony previously failed in its application to contest jurisdiction and the appeal against that decision and Mr Justice Michael Green dismissed Sony’s application to strike out the case or for reverse summary judgment in October 2023. Sony’s licensor, Experience Hendrix, also failed in its attempt to have the case determined in New York,

The case will now proceed to trial in December.

Lawrence Abramson of Keystone Law, who represented the estates said:

“We are not surprised by, but still happy with the result. Hopefully we can now obtain some justice for the families of Noel and Mitch. No one is denying that Jimi Hendrix was one of the greatest guitarists of all time, just as Freddie Mercury was a great singer. But neither of them made their recordings alone. It has never been suggested that Brian May, John Deacon nor Roger Taylor should not have participated in Queen’s success so why should Noel and Mitch lose out from the success of the Jimi Hendrix Experience?”

Edward Adams, a director for the Claimants, said:

“Noel and Mitch first issued their complaint in November 2021 and after the latest delaying tactic of Sony to deny them justice the case now moves to a full trial scheduled for December 2025 over 4 years later. We retain our faith in the justice system that they and their licensors, Experience Hendrix LLC, will be finally held fully to account at that time.”

The estates were represented at the hearing by Simon Malynicz KC and Phillip Johnson

For further information please contact: