A British court has rejected an attempt by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) to end a licensing agreement requiring the firm to pay 6% of its revenue for using the late architect’s name.
The ruling marks the latest legal defeat for studio director Patrik Schumacher in a series of disputes over Hadid’s legacy since her unexpected death in 2016, when she left behind an estate worth £76 million.
The court heard that ZHA has paid £21.4 million in licensing fees to the Zaha Hadid Foundation since 2018 under an agreement signed in 2013.
The studio’s revenue doubled to over £60 million between 2021 and 2023 compared to when the licensing deal was struck.
Studio director Charles Walker testified that while the firm is currently “very successful” financially, the 6% fee could burden future leadership.
The judge dismissed this argument, ruling that Hadid’s name carries “very significant value” for the practice and is intrinsically linked to its prestige.
Schumacher, who received around £500,000 from Hadid’s will, has previously lost battles for full control of the architectural practice and was removed from the foundation.
The foundation, established by Hadid in 2013, focuses on educating young architects, particularly women from the Arab world.
Hadid named four executors in her will, including Schumacher, her niece Rana, former Arts Council England chairman Lord Palumbo, and artist Brian Clarke.
The remainder of her estate was designated for studio employees, the foundation, and charities chosen by the executors.
