Kraftwerk Sampling Case

Seminal German electronic artists Kraftwerk have been dealt a blow in Germany's high court after a copyright lawsuit went against them, it is reported.

The band had attempted to sue rap producer Moses Pelham for using two seconds of their 1977 song 'Metal On Metal' in one of his own songs. Famously, 'Metal On Metal' was sampled by Africa Bambataa for his electro classic 'Planet Rock'.

The case was first heard in a Hamburg state court, which ruled in Kraftwerk's favor. The court argued that sampling even the shortest snippet of a song was a violation of an artist's copyright.

However, the rap producer appealed the decision and took the matter to Germany's high court. This time, the high court over-ruled the case and sent it back to a civil court.

The German group are also involved in a legal case in this country, as Kraftwerk are currently attempting to force Liverpool group Kling Klang to change their name.