At a glance: See what’s new here since your last visit
Here you find the posts ordered by the date, when a posting has been published just here on this site.
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
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
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."
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: .......
In January 2025, PANArt registered a new design with the WIPO Global Design Data
In January 2025, PANArt registered a new design with the WIPO Global Design Database.
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)
Successful defence of the ‘Hang’ brand
<<....our ‘Hang’ brand has emerged strengthened from this.>>
“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...
Sabina Schärer: Die Mit-Erfinderin des Hang und ihre Leidenschaft für Klang
Sabina Schärer ist Tunerin, Musikinstrumenten-Bauerin und Klangskulptur-Künstlerin. Seit 28 Jahren ist sie Mitinhaberin der Firma PanArt in Bern.
Artikel: Hang oder Nicht-Hang? (german)
Was bedeutet das Gerichtsurteil für die Handpan-Community?
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
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.....
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
“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
PANArt: The Hang is a work of applied art. The decision of the Supreme Court of the Canton of Berne
"The Supreme Court of the Canton of Berne (Switzerland), on July 2, 2024 handed down the long awaited decision in the proceedings initiate..."
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)"
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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PANArt: “Surprising attack on our HANG® brand”
"...HANG brand has been attacked by a company in Munich (Handpan.world) headed by Mr Emanuel Eitle"
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HCU Newsletter: January 2024
update regarding the end of September 2023 court date including: Opening Statement (German) Opening Statement (automatic English translation) Closing Statement (German) Closing Statement (automatic English translation)
From The Stage To The Court Room with David Kuckhermann – Videotalk with “The Handpanshow”
David Kuckhermann talks about his initial involvement and role in forming the HCU. He's been in the courtroom and in meetings at every step and we very much appreciated an update from him!