Patrik Schumacher and Zaha Hadid. Photo: The Chicago Athenaeum Archives
The UK Court of Appeal has ruled that Zaha Hadid Architects is not bound to its name, and that it does not need to perpetually pay royalties to the Zaha Hadid Foundation.
The case centered on a trademark licence agreement signed in 2013, which allowed Zaha Hadid Limited, the architectural practice founded by the late architect, to use the “Zaha Hadid” name worldwide in exchange for a royalty payment of 6% of annual net income. Following Hadid’s death in 2016, ownership of the trademarks transferred to the Zaha Hadid Foundation, which administers her legacy.
Previously on Archinect: Zaha Hadid Architects still wed to costly licensing agreement, UK court says
In earlier proceedings, the UK’s High Court held that the agreement continued indefinitely and could only be terminated by the Foundation, meaning that the firm was bound to retain the architect’s name and to continue paying royalties. Zaha Hadid Limited appealed, arguing that the contract should be interpreted as allowing termination on reasonable notice and that the existing arrangement was commercially restrictive.
The Court of Appeal has agreed and overturned the earlier High Court ruling, deciding that the wording did not mean the firm must continue the agreement perpetually. Both parties have the ability to terminate the license on reasonable notice, the court ruled.
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