Hendrix family wins partial court victory

Jimi Hendrix died in 1970 at the age of 27

The family of guitar legend Jimi Hendrix has won a partial victory in its court case involving early recordings of the late star.

Experience Hendrix, the US-based family firm that controls his rights, was suing PPX Enterprises over recordings from Hendrix's time with a group called Curtis Knight and The Squires in PPX's New York studio.

Lawyers for Experience Hendrix described the ruling as "a great day for the Hendrix family".

The rights to Hendrix's music - except for 33 recordings he made with other groups before he came to fame - are owned by Experience Hendrix.

Its complex claim against PPX and its president, Edward Chalpin, related to the alleged breach of a 1973 agreement with the administrator of Hendrix's estate.

PPX argued there had been an oral agreement between all parties that it was entitled to every master that had at any time been previously released or licensed by it.

Future royalties

Hendrix died in London in 1970 at the age of 27, having risen to fame throughout the world with hits such as Purple Haze and Voodoo Chile.

Experience asked the High Court to award damages and grant an injunction stopping future releases on which Hendrix performed - other than on 33 master tapes to which PPX is entitled to use.

Mr Justice Buckley rejected claims relating to the handing over of master tapes and damages.

The judge did put a restraining order on future releases or licenses of recordings on which Hendrix performed - other than the master tapes PPX could use already.

Nick Valner, of Eversheds, solicitors for Experience Hendrix, said: "The Hendrix family are determined to uphold the integrity of Jimi's legacy and will have no hesitation in enforcing this injunction wherever and whenever necessary."

PPX will also have to account for future royalties due on those tracks but these will not have to be backdated.

The company has been ordered to pay 70% of the estimated £300,000 cost of the case, but has been given permission to appeal.