The HCU publishes a new newsletter – “Here’s a short update from the Court of Berne.”
Last Updated on 11. February 2026 As we shared in last month’s newsletter, the final hearing took place on January 27th, 2026. During the hearing, both sides had the opportunity to present their arguments on the key question: Do handpans infringe on the Hang’s copyright? Our legal team carefully explained why the submitted handpans are … Continue reading "The HCU publishes a new newsletter – “Here’s a short update from the Court of Berne.”"
A HANG, what is that? The legal dispute over a musical instrument from Bern is causing trouble worldwide – Article in one of Germany’s most renowned newspapers, “Die Zeit,” on the legal dispute between HCU and PANArt
A HANG, what is that? The legal dispute over a musical instrument from Bern is causing trouble worldwide - Article in one of Germany's most renowned newspapers, “Die Zeit,” on the legal dispute between HCU and PANArt published (german).....
Händler fürchten Urteil zu Meditations-Instrument (Retailers fear ruling on meditation instrument) – Article (german) on the copyright dispute between HCU and PANArt published in Swiss print medium “20min.”
Article (german) on the copyright dispute between HCU and PANArt published in Swiss print medium “20min.”
The Handpan process in Bern Over 20 companies battle against the inventor of the Hang – Article in the renowned Swiss newspaper “Der BUND”
A copyright dispute over the Hang musical instrument is entering its second round before the Bern High Court.....
“WATSON,” a Swiss news portal, publishes the article (german) – “This Bernese hippie instrument is world-famous—and there’s a huge controversy surrounding it.”
Last Updated on 11. February 2026 “WATSON,” a Swiss news portal, publishes the article “This Bernese hippie instrument is world-famous—and there’s a huge controversy surrounding it.” The Hang, a musical instrument invented in Bern, has established a global scene—but its inventors are not happy about it. That’s why a court is now deciding to what … Continue reading "“WATSON,” a Swiss news portal, publishes the article (german) – “This Bernese hippie instrument is world-famous—and there’s a huge controversy surrounding it.”"
HCU Newsletter Jannuary 2026 published
In this first newsletter of 2026 we will cover the following topics: Launch of handpandays.com, an initiative from the players community to continue raising awareness of the ongoing lawsuit and at the same time to nurture the global handpan community. Comment on the most recent statement from PANArt Open-sourcing one of the letters we sent in the course of the last years to PANArt with the hope to establish a conversation on a human to human basis
Swiss media outlet “20min” publishes article on the legal dispute between HCU and PANArt: “Are the people of Bern to blame for this Dutch girl’s sadness?” (Article in German)
Swiss media outlet “20min” publishes article on the legal dispute between HCU and PANArt: “Are the people of Bern to blame for this Dutch girl's sadness?” (Article in German)
PANArt publishes a statement on the HCU campaign and the topic “Why are we asserting copyright protection for our Hang?”
Last Updated on 22. November 2025 PANArt publishes a statement on the HCU campaign and the topic “Why are we asserting copyright protection for our Hang?”
Paniverse.org Blog publishes a statement on the topic “Is the handpan really in danger? And who is this HCU anyway?”
Last Updated on 20. November 2025 Paniverse.org Blog publishes a statement on the topic “Is the handpan really in danger? And who is this HCU anyway?“
Matthieu from SHELLOPAN publishes a statement on Facebook regarding HCU vs. PANArt and the current situation.
Last Updated on 16. November 2025 Matthieu from SHELLOPAN, one of the pioneers of handpan manufacturing, has published a statement on Facebook regarding HCU vs. PANArt and the current situation…. << …When I read that the handpan needs to be saved, I can only say that, as a craftsman, I feel much more threatened by … Continue reading "Matthieu from SHELLOPAN publishes a statement on Facebook regarding HCU vs. PANArt and the current situation."
HCU / AYASA publish and launch a new crowdfunding Campaign
Last Updated on 15. November 2025 HCU/Ralf Van Den Bor (owner of AYASA Instruments) publish and launch a new crowdfunding Campaign (gofundme) “The handpan may become ILLEGAL – How can YOU stop that?” Within the first three days, the campaign raises €56,000 through 1,100 donations.
HCU publishes “The Story of HCU vs PANArt” on its website
Last Updated on 12. November 2025 The HCU publishes a summary/presentation of the “HCU vs. PANArt story” from 2020 to the present. The exact publication date is not apparent. Discovered during research in November 2025 HCU vs PANArt
HCU Newsletter August 2025 – update in the PANArt litigation
HCU Newsletter August 2025 – update in the PANArt litigation As you all know, we are currently fighting for the freedom of producing handpans in any shape in proceedings against PANArt in Berne, Switzerland. Much has already been written about this, although not everything that has been said is entirely accurate. We would therefore like to provide you with an update on the proceedings, which are now moving forward again: .......
“Two Bernese against the rest of the world” – ‘BLICK’ article
Dispute over Swiss trend instrument Two Bernese against the rest of the world One of the largest Swiss media outlets reports on the current legal Dispute...
HCU Newsletter October 2024 – update in the PANArt litigation
.....First of all, we have filed an appeal against the first instance decision of the Court of Berne in relation to (only) the question whether the “Hang” instruments enjoy copyright protection at all. Almost all of the parties from the handpan side have joined the appeal, which is now pending at the Federal Court of Switzerland, the “Bundesgericht”.....
PANArt’s letter to European Handpan manufacturers and dealers draws attention to possible legal consequences …
[en] To manufacturers and distributors of handpans We consider it important to inform you as a dealer or manufacturer of copies of the HANG, so-called handpans, of a recent judgement by the High Court of the Canton of Bern that is relevant to your business activities.......
HCU publishes statements, ‘answers’ and instructions…
In this update, we would like to draw your attention to two important texts that were recently published on the HCU webpage:........
PANArt publishes the entire judgment for the Hang after the Bernese High Court grants the property Right
Last Updated on 17. July 2024 PANArt publishes the entire judgment for the Hang after the Bernese High Court grants the property Right: https://panart.ch/en/articles/das-hang-ist-ein-werk-der-angewandten-kunst-die-entscheidung-des-obergerichts-des-kantons-bern
Der Bund – Hang inventors win a victory for their instrument
the largest swiss newspaper publishes a detailed article on PANArt's success in the proceedings for industrial property rights for the Hang
HCU Newsletter “We have received a 96 page verdict from the Court in Berne”
We have received a 96 page verdict from the Court in Berne. In summary, the Court has decided that there is a copyright on the Hang, but no decision has been made on its impact on current handpans.....
Court protects copyright Hang inventors win victory for their instrument – Gericht schützt Urheberrecht Hang-Erfinder erringen für ihr Instrument einen Sieg
The Swiss newspaper ‘Der Bund’ has published an article on PANArt's success in court (in German). The Hang instrument, a Bernese invention, is being copied worldwide. Sabina Schärer and Felix Rohner are fighting against this – with success. In the “battle between art and commerce,” this is a decision “in favor of art,” says Felix Rohner. “We have successfully defended our work against a large group of music dealers and plagiarists.”
“The HANG IS A WORK OF APPLIED ART” published by paniverse.org
the private Handpan blog "paniverse.org" publishes a blog post on the publication of the Bern court ruling
The History, Development and Global Dissemination of the Hang/Handpan – Wong, A CK. (2023). The History, Development and Global Dissemination of the Hang/Handpan. (Unpublished Doctoral thesis, City, University of London)
Last Updated on 30. April 2024 Thesis (Doctoral) published on 25 Apr 2024 16:00 link: https://openaccess.city.ac.uk/id/eprint/32744/ In the year 2000, a flying-saucer-like musical instrument named the Hang was invented in Bern, Switzerland, by Swiss steelpan makers Félix Rohner and Sabina Schärer. The thesis of Dr.Wong is available on the ‘Paniverse.org Blog‘ in 9 different language … Continue reading "The History, Development and Global Dissemination of the Hang/Handpan – Wong, A CK. (2023). The History, Development and Global Dissemination of the Hang/Handpan. (Unpublished Doctoral thesis, City, University of London)"
Company versus the rest of the world The bitter dispute over a Bernese invention – Detailed article on the copyright dispute between HCU and PANArt appears in the renowned Swiss media outlet “Der BUND” (German)
Last Updated on 11. February 2026 Company versus the rest of the world The bitter dispute over a Bernese invention – Detailed article on the copyright dispute between HCU and PANArt appears in the renowned Swiss media outlet “Der BUND” (German). Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer created a new instrument with the Hang. They have … Continue reading "Company versus the rest of the world The bitter dispute over a Bernese invention – Detailed article on the copyright dispute between HCU and PANArt appears in the renowned Swiss media outlet “Der BUND” (German)"
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HCU Statement in answer of Brand Attack by Emanuel Eitle
Emanuel Eitle and "Bird and Bird" attacked PANArt without knowledge of HCU...
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Last Updated on 8. August 2021