i would say: good news for creative Heads.

https://www.courthousenews.com/sampling-gets-a-cautious-yes-from-eu-judges

What do you Think ?

Theo. (Switzerland = not EU: )

 

Based on this reading, it seems that the EU seeks to protect copyright while at the same time partially recognizing sampling as an expression of artistic freedom. However, it is not clear how strictly the law will be applied, with the prevailing notion that each case is unique: it will depend on the interpretation of national courts, which may generate legal uncertainty (especially given the differences between the legal frameworks of the European Union and the United States).

For artists, the decision opens the perspective that sampling may be considered legitimate art, but it requires real creativity (it is not enough to simply repeat, copy, or transpose; one must reinterpret and add something new). For copyright holders, it represents a partial victory, since the court made it clear that pastiche is not a "blank check" for infringement.

But in real, the ruling does not end the controversy: it is a cautious "yes" to the practice of sampling, but still surrounded by much uncertainty, as with much of the decisions in the legal world, it largely depends on how the court interprets the law. Not to mention the deals made behind the scenes (see the Satriani vs. Coldplay case) or even the sordid cases of sentence-selling.

 

Last edited: Apr 16, 2026 at 4:17 PM

It probably depends on the individual case and whether charges are filed. Because whoever loses the case has to bear all the costs, artists should be careful and aware of the implications when using samples from other creators/rights holders. However, it's also clear that the sheer volume of plagiarism can't be controlled or curbed by laws; it's simply impossible to manage or monitor.

 

Meanwhile all the AI business around the grand scale thievery of everything that isn't attached to the ground...

 

I don't know why and I don't see purpose of, but..... WHU, why EU have so much urge ... so much need ... so much.. I don't know how to express myself, to regulate anything and everything!?. They, I men that european comission want to unify any aspect of EU even thninkig... I don't uderstand.