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.
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.
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.”"
“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.”"
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)"
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).....
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.....
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.”
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)
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.”
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
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”.....