Fisher will accordingly receive royalties dating back to 2005, when a lower court froze distribution of income from licensed performances after the composer originally lodged his complaint.

The decision was made unanimously, with Baroness Hale of Richmond stating, "I am glad that the author [Matthew Fisher] of that memorable organ part has at last achieved the recognition he deserves."

The 63-year-old former organist, who now works as a computer programmer, fought the case on a no-win, no-fee basis. Before a ...