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PRESS RELEASE HIGH COURT AFFIRMS COPYRIGHT TRIBUNAL’S JURISDICTION OVER COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND FAIR COMPENSATION DISPUTES Nairobi, Kenya | 12 November 2026 The High Court, in a ruling delivered on 9th November 2026, by Honourable Justice T. W. Ouya has affirmed the jurisdiction of the Copyright Tribunal to hear and determine disputes relating to copyright infringement and fair compensation. The ruling arose from judicial review proceedings instituted by legal representatives of US-based record companies and associated individuals, including Black Market Records LLC, challenging the Copyright Tribunal's earlier decision affirming its jurisdiction over disputes involving Kenyan musicians and the record labels. In its determination, the High Court upheld the Copyright Tribunal's jurisdiction, reinforcing its statutory mandate under the Copyright Act, Cap. 130, Laws of Kenya. The decision marks an important milestone in strengthening access to justice for copyright owners, performers and other rights holders, particularly in disputes concerning the ownership, exploitation and commercialisation of creative works. The ruling further underscores the role of the Copyright Tribunal as a specialised forum for resolving copyright disputes and determining claims for fair compensation in Kenya. ENDS The link to the ruling is here attached: judiciary.go.ke/download/hig…