The Business Law Reports
[2009] Bus LR 1334
House of Lords
Fisher v Brooker and another
[2009] UKHL 41
2009 April 22,
23;
July 30
July 30
Lord Hope of Craighead, Lord Walker of Gestingthorpe, Baroness Hale of Richmond, Lord Mance, Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury
Estoppel— Conduct, by— Proprietary estoppel— Popular song composed by first defendant and released as successful record containing claimant’s distinctive organ solo and variation— Claim for joint authorship and ownership of copyright brought 38 years later— Joint authorship established— Whether claimant’s acquiescence giving rise to proprietary estoppel— Whether equitable defences of acquiescence and laches available— Whether claimant entitled to equitable relief