What was the initial agreement between Hendrix bandmates and Sony?

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Jimi Hendrix Bandmates' Estates Can Pursue Lawsuit Against Sony for Album Rights

The estates representing the late bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell of The Jimi Hendrix Experience have been granted permission by London's High Court to proceed with a lawsuit against Sony Music Entertainment. This legal action seeks a share of the sound recording copyrights for three seminal 1960s albums: Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold As Love, and Electric Ladyland. These albums, released between 1967 and 1968, feature iconic tracks such as Hey Joe, Purple Haze, and Foxy Lady, which were instrumental in establishing Jimi Hendrix as a rock luminary.
Lawsuit Filed by Estates of Redding and Mitchell

In 2022, Noel Redding Estate Ltd and Mitch Mitchell Estate Ltd, companies to which the descendants of Redding and Mitchell assigned their potential rights, initiated legal proceedings against Sony. They are seeking a judicial declaration that they are entitled to a portion of the sound recording copyrights for the three influential albums. The estates contend that the contributions of Redding and Mitchell to these recordings were essential to their success, underscoring that the albums were not solely the product of Hendrix.
Sony's Defence Based on Early 1970s Releases

Sony Music Entertainment attempted to have the lawsuit dismissed, arguing that Redding and Mitchell had signed releases in the early 1970s. These agreements stipulated that they would not sue Jimi Hendrix's estate or any record companies involved in distributing the three albums. As part of these settlements, Noel Redding received US$100,000 in 1973, and Mitch Mitchell received US$247,500 in 1974 to withdraw lawsuits filed in New York. Sony presented these releases as a complete defence to the current claim.
High Court Allows Lawsuit to Proceed to Trial

Despite Sony's defence, High Court Judge Michael Green ruled that the case warrants a full trial. This decision allows the estates of Redding and Mitchell to present their arguments and for the court to examine the validity and scope of the releases signed by the original band members. The trial is anticipated to take place in 2025, at which point the court will determine the merits of the estates' claim for a share of the sound recording copyrights.

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What was the initial agreement between Hendrix bandmates and Sony?

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