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PANIVERSE: Decision of the Bern Commercial Court regarding the copyright protection of the “Hang©” by PANArt, dated June 16, 2026
This now-published decision was preceded by a legal battle lasting several years and spanning multiple court levels – and even this latest decision is still subject to appeal. At this time, it is impossible to predict whether an appeal will be filed, either by the plaintiff (HCU) or the defendant (PANArt), or by both.
Summary of the decision of the Commercial Court of the Canton of Bern dated 16 June 2026
PANArt has released a statement regarding the Bern court's decision of June 16, 2026, including the original court document in German and English.
HCU Newsletter sent on 26.06.2026
The HCU is sending out a newsletter regarding the recent decision by the Bern court....
A highly recommended review by SHELLOPAN – The Handpan: Is it a copy of PANArt’s Hang, or has it broken away from its original inspiration? Current status of legal disputes and future prospects…
Matthieu, from SHELLOPAN, has updated and published his perspective on the legal dispute between the HCU and PANArt—taking into account the latest developments and the publication of the Bern court’s ruling from late June 2026. The original post appears in French on the SHELLOPAN website.
A revised article on the topic of HCU vs. PANArt, featuring a re-examination of the case following the “Stratocaster protection ruling” secured by HCU’s lawyers and a structured historical summary, has been published on PANIVERSE.ORG
A revised article on the topic of HCU vs. PANArt, featuring a re-examination of the case following the “Stratocaster protection ruling” secured by HCU’s lawyers and a structured historical summary, has been published on PANIVERSE.ORG
Bird & Bird (the law firm representing HCU in the proceedings against PANArt) secures landmark ruling for Fender protecting iconic Stratocaster® design
Bird & Bird (the law firm representing HCU in the proceedings against PANArt) secures landmark ruling for Fender protecting iconic Stratocaster® design. The court found that the guitars unlawfully reproduced Fender’s iconic Stratocaster® body design, which qualifies as a copyrighted work of applied art under German and European law…
“We had contact with the magical zone” – An interview with Felix Rohner, Sabina Schärer, and David Rohner on the Hang, creative work, and the copyright dispute surrounding the Hang and Handpans
The Swiss newspaper “Bieler Tagblatt” has published an extensive interview with Felix Rohner, Sabina Schärer, and David Rohner on the hang, creative work, and the copyright dispute surrounding the hang and handpans ...
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.”"
XENIT Handpans (USA) / Mr.Pan (China) – “Is the Octagon The Future?” Experiments with a new, Octagonal Handpan Shape
Blog article by XENIT HANDPANs about a new handpan shape being developed in China in response to the copyright dispute between the 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
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
‘The Handpan Is Not Attached To A Specific Culture — It’s A Global Instrument,’ Says Austrian Musician Manu Delago
'The Handpan Is Not Attached To A Specific Culture — It’s A Global Instrument,' Says Austrian Musician Manu Delago - Inetrview with MANU DELAGO by "The Free Press Journal, India" The Austrian percussionist, on his journey from drums to handpan, collaborations with Indian and global artistes, and bringing his trio back to India for a seven-city tour
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: .......
Pantheon Steel – HALO (USA, Kyle Cox) closes.
Last Updated on 11. November 2025 Founded in 2005, manufacturer and developer of the HALO handpan closes on July 17, 2025 the company Pantheon Steel. https://www.pantheonsteel.com
Update on PANArts Website : the judgment is probably not legally binding
the headline from PANArts article has been changed from "Copyright on "Hang" is legally binding" to "Swiss Federal Supreme Court rejects appeal" (translated with deepl)
Metal Sounds – SPACEDRUM / ZENKO (France, Marc GUILLIOU) closes.
Last Updated on 11. November 2025 Founded in 2011 after 5 years of research by Philippe Maignaut and DjolibaDesign, manufacture, and distribution of melodic metal percussion instruments such as handpans (Spacedrum®), steelpans (steeldrum), and tongues drums (Zenko). 12 employees Closing date: February 13, 2025 <<The website is no longer in service. The company Metal Sounds … Continue reading "Metal Sounds – SPACEDRUM / ZENKO (France, Marc GUILLIOU) closes."