diff --git a/pcbnew/api/api_handler_pcb.cpp b/pcbnew/api/api_handler_pcb.cpp
index d47b8b12fd..b8f5b8fd38 100644
--- a/pcbnew/api/api_handler_pcb.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/api/api_handler_pcb.cpp
@@ -1263,7 +1263,7 @@ HANDLER_RESULT<NetClassForNetsResponse> API_HANDLER_PCB::handleGetNetClassForNet
     NetClassForNetsResponse response;
 
     BOARD* board = frame()->GetBoard();
-    NETINFO_LIST nets = board->GetNetInfo();
+    const NETINFO_LIST& nets = board->GetNetInfo();
     google::protobuf::Any any;
 
     for( const board::types::Net& net : aCtx.Request.net() )