The European Court of Justice tackles geoblocks and VPNs in the Anne Frank Fonds case, challenging copyright territorialism in 2026.
ECJ to Rule on Geoblocks and VPNs
The European Court of Justice must now address geoblocks and their circumvention via VPN technology in the context of the right to publicly display a work. The case, Anne Frank Fonds (C-788/24), follows a recent opinion from Advocate General Athanasios Rantos dated January 15, 2026.
Previous Case Inconclusive
The effectiveness of geoblocks was previously under review by the ECJ in the Grand Production case (C-423/21). However, the proceedings did not result in a judgment after the prejudicial questions were withdrawn, concluding only at the advocate general’s opinion stage. This time, the issue resurfaces differently, and the court may finally determine if geoblocks remain a viable tool for limiting territorial exploitation of works in 2026, or if the ubiquity of VPN services renders such protection practically illusory.