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'Happy Birthday' Song Ruled to Be in Public Domain

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mvcg66b3r

The world's most popular English language song is now free from copyright after a federal judge ruled on Tuesday that filmmakers challenging Warner/Chappell Music's hold on "Happy Birthday to You" should be granted summary judgment.

According to the opinion on Tuesday from U.S. District Judge George H. King, "Because Summy Co. never acquired the rights to the Happy Birthday lyrics, Defendants, as Summy Co.’s purported successors-in-interest, do not own a valid copyright in the Happy Birthday lyrics."

The ruling means that Warner/Chappell will lose out on $2 million a year in reported revenue on the song. Filmmakers will no longer have to pay to feature "Happy Birthday" in motion pictures and television shows.
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http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6706919/happy-birthday-song-public-domain-warner-chappel
 
CTListener said:
I assume years of appeals will ensue, no?
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With $2 million a year in revenue at stake, pretty good presumption, but not an assumption (I wouldn't use the "a" word when there's money involved ... someone might think I'm taking responsibility for it ... :rolleyes:).
 
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