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.
http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6706919/happy-birthday-song-public-domain-warner-chappel