Bach v Longman

Bach v Longman 2 Cowper 623 (1777) is a landmark judgment regarding copyright. The case related to whether printed music fell within the protection of the Statute of Anne (1710). Lord Mansfield held that published music is protected as 'writing' within the terms of the legislation.

Johann Christian Bach and Karl Friedrich Abel sued publisher James Longman who had been violating the copyright of their works in London.

The only copyright legislation at the time was the Statute of Anne, which was assumed not to cover music. However, the judge, Lord Mansfield, found that the Statute's preamble referred to "books and other writings." This he felt included written music. His decision allowed for a spate of further cases and a more stable performing environment that allowed the growth of freelance musicians in the 18th century.