High Court dismisses copyright claim over The Jimi Hendrix Experience albums

Sony Music Entertainment UK and Experience Hendrix LLC have confirmed that the High Court has dismissed a claim for copyright and performers’ property rights brought against Sony Music regarding The Jimi Hendrix Experience studio albums.

In February 2022, companies linked to the estates of two of Hendrix’s former bandmates — Noel Redding Estate Ltd and Mitch Mitchell Estate Ltd — commenced legal claims in London against Sony Music. The companies claimed that they were entitled to intellectual property rights for recordings from The Jimi Hendrix Experience, including the performers’ property rights and co-ownership of the copyrights from the recordings.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience was formed in 1966 by producers Chas Chandler and Michael Jeffery, and featured Jimi Hendrix on lead vocals and guitar, alongside bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell. All five individuals entered into a recording agreement, under which three studio albums were recorded between 1966 and 1968 – Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold As Love and Electric Ladyland.

The claimants argued that their rights for those three albums were being infringed and that technical developments in the music industry, such as streaming, were not anticipated at the time of the recording agreement or any subsequent settlement agreements.

In December 2025, a 10-day trial led to the High Court confirming that there had been no infringement of any rights, and that Sony Music and Experience Hendrix are fully entitled to exploit their rights in the Jimi Hendrix experience catalogue.

The High Court found that the 1966 recording agreement granted wide rights to Chandler and Jeffery as producers. This includes ownership of the copyright in the three studio albums, and consents from Hendrix, Redding and Mitchell to do all of the acts which would fall within the scope of their respective performers’ property rights — including in respect of digital downloads and streaming.

Following Hendrix’s death in September 1970, Redding and Mitchell brought legal claims against his estate in New York, which were settled in return for significant payments in 1973 and 1974. The High Court found that these legal claims prevented any further claims by them or their successors for the infringement of copyright or performers’ property rights, including for digital exploitation.

Furthermore, the High Court confirmed that Experience Hendrix has valid chains of title to all relevant rights and consents relating to the recording agreement, settlement agreements and discontinuances, which, as Experience Hendrix’s licensee, Sony Music was entitled to rely upon.

“I have nothing but positive memories of Noel and Mitch,” said Janie Hendrix, sister of Jimi Hendrix and CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC. “Experience Hendrix’s longstanding relationships with both reflect a consistent commitment to honouring and supporting the musicians who were part of Jimi Hendrix’s history.”

“Sony Music and Experience Hendrix are thankful that this litigation, which has lasted over four years, has come to an end,” said a spokesperson for Sony Music and Experience Hendrix. “They are also pleased that the High Court confirmed that there has been no infringement of any rights and that they are fully entitled to exploit their rights in The Jimi Hendrix Experience catalogue.

“While technological developments have, of course, had a significant impact on the music industry, it is important that where clear and comprehensive agreements have been made, they are honoured by the parties who have agreed them and their successors. Experience Hendrix, in particular, is pleased to have had its chain of title to the rights in The Jimi Hendrix Experience catalogue confirmed by the High Court and looks forward to continuing to work closely with Sony Music to bring this exceptional music to the world.”

Image Credit: Jimi Hendrix, 1967, Photographer unknown (via Wikimedia Commons, public domain).