Since 2020, PANArt (creators of the original Hang drum) has pursued aggressive legal action claiming copyright over the fundamental design of handpans. They're trying to prevent hundreds of makers worldwide from building instruments – including the premium handpans Yatao offers from makers like Ayasa, MAG, and our own YataoPan line.
In July 2024, the Bern court ruled that the Hang qualifies for copyright protection. But this was only phase one. The next hearing is January 27, 2026, where the court will decide which specific handpans are legal and which aren't.
If they win: Makers get sued. Instruments get destroyed. The global handpan community could vanish.
What PANArt Is Claiming Ownership Over
PANArt claims exclusive copyright over four fundamental elements found in virtually every handpan in existence:
• The lens-shaped body (two curved metal hemispheres)
• The central dome (called the "Ding")
• The port on the underside (called the "Gu")
• The tone fields arranged in a circle around the central note
This means nearly every handpan currently in the market – from affordable beginner instruments to premium professional models – could potentially be declared illegal under their interpretation of copyright law.
The Legal Battle So Far
• €1.1 million spent on legal defense over 5 years
• 25 plaintiffs (makers and dealers from Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands)
• Multiple court cases across Europe (Bern, France, etc.)
• Next crucial hearing: January 27, 2026
The non-profit organization Handpan Community United (HCU) hired prestigious law firm Bird & Bird to defend the community. Their argument: PANArt should be recognized for their innovation, but the basic functional elements needed to create handpans must remain free for the artistic community. Copyrighting these elements would set a dangerous precedent – no one could ever build similar instruments.
Why This Matters to You
For Players: Handpans have enabled thousands to discover music for the first time, find peace through meditation, and express themselves at levels they never thought possible. Complete beginners become musicians. Shy people find their voice. The instrument is intuitively playable yet infinitely expressive.
For Community: Handpan festivals and gatherings are where people meet their partners, build lifelong friendships, and create a global family united by shared love of these sounds. Couples have met at festivals and started families. Friends have formed through shared musical experience. The instrument has literally shaped people's life paths.
For Healing: Sound therapists use handpans in therapeutic settings to help people process trauma, manage anxiety, and find inner peace. The meditative frequencies and intuitive playability make it a powerful tool for emotional and spiritual work.
Imagine these gatherings disappearing. Imagine being unable to buy a new handpan or repair your current one. Imagine a generation of potential players never discovering this music. That's what we're fighting to prevent.
How to Help – Three Actions You Can Take Today
ACTION 1: Donate to the Legal Defense Fund
Goal: €250,000 raised to continue the multi-year legal battle (currently at approximately €66,144)
Where: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-handpan-may-become-illegal-how-can-you-stop-that
Details: Every euro supports makers defending our right to create freely. Donations over €1,000 can receive official tax receipts. This is a multi-year legal process requiring sustained funding.
Why it matters: The small group of makers and dealers who have funded this defense for five years can no longer carry these costs alone. Without broader community support, the fight will collapse.
ACTION 2: Share the Message
Spread awareness on social media, to your friends, your handpan community, everyone who loves these instruments.
Use these hashtags: #SaveTheHandpan #HandpanFreedom #HandpanCommunity
Share the campaign video at: youtube.com/watch?v=6fISj2t0GA8
Why it matters: The handpan community is global, but many players remain unaware of the crisis. Raising awareness directly impacts funding and community mobilization. Every share brings more supporters.
ACTION 3: Stay Informed
Sign up for HCU mailing list at hcu.global
Get critical updates about the legal proceedings as they develop.
Why it matters: The legal process continues throughout 2025 and 2026 with multiple hearings and decisions. Being informed allows you to take timely action and support the community when it matters most.
The Timeline Ahead
NOW: Crowdfunding campaign active – funds needed immediately
Summer 2025: Swiss Federal Supreme Court decision (related appeal) expected
January 27, 2026: Major Bern court hearing – specific instruments will be examined
2026-2027: Additional proceedings determining which handpans infringe on copyright claims
At Yatao, we believe in accessibility, quality, and community. We work with premier makers and offer handpans for every budget because we believe everyone deserves access to this transformative instrument.
For the latest on the legal case, visit hcu.global
