Zicco wins Supreme Court appeal against Zimura licensing ban

A Supreme Court consent order just restored Zicco's ability to issue music performance licenses after a High Court ruling had shut that door.

Zicco wins the appeal

• The Zimbabwe Council of Copyright Owners got key parts of a High Court judgment tossed.
• The February 19, 2026, order overturned the licensing interdict against Zicco.
• Zimura's cost award from the lower court got scrapped as well.
• Both sides now cover their own legal bills going forward.

What sparked the whole fight

• Simbisa Brands Zimbabwe switched its music licensing from Zimura to Zicco in late 2023.
• Zimbabwe Music Rights Association challenged Zicco's authority to license public performances.
• Overlapping claims between collecting societies created sector-wide confusion.
• Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act powers were the central legal battleground.

Zicco's arguments on appeal

• Zicco said the High Court dodged critical preliminary issues entirely.
• Zimura allegedly never produced a valid board resolution authorizing the lawsuit.
• The relief the lower court granted was reportedly never even pleaded for.
• Registrar of Copyrights arguably should have been joined to the case.

Zicco's positioning in the market

• Founded in February 2023, Zicco claims over 2,200 registered members.
• Reduced license fees and a flat-rate royalty model are its selling points.
• Royalties get distributed to members on a twice-yearly schedule.
• The case heads back to the High Court for a declaratory order determination.