Why Is Happy Birthday Copyrighted

In 2015 a US judge ruled that Happy Birthday to You is not under copyright. Today I found out the song Happy Birthday is copyrighted and brings in about 2000000 per year to the copyright holders currently an investment group that purchased Warner Music who in turn was the most recent owner of the copyright for the song. That might change soon. WarnerChappell Music has been enforcing the copyright claim since it bought Summys successor the Birch Tree Group in 1988.

Happy Birthday Is Public Domain Former Owner Warner Chapell To Pay 14m Ars Technica

Its a song we all know yet we were unable to sing it on TV in movies or even in restaurants.

Why Is Happy Birthday Copyrighted. Specifically to administer their interests in Happy Birthday to YouGood Morning to All. Happy Birthday to You had reportedly been generating some 2. A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit over whether Happy Birthday to You one of the best-known songs in the world is owned by a music publisher who earned millions by enforcing its copyright.

The copyright to Happy Birthday To You is ruled invalid by a US judge meaning an end to royalty payments for public performances of the song. A federal court judge in Los Angeles has declared the song Happy Birthday to You belongs in the public domain dealing a blow to the music publishing company that has been collecting royalties from. The songs base lyrics have been translated into at least 18 languages.

Happy Birthday To You is hardly ever sung in movies or on TV shows and thats because until recently film makers would have to pay a hefty fee to the copyright holder for every performance. According to the 1998 Guinness World Records it is the most recognized song in the English language followed by For Hes a Jolly Good Fellow. Controversy has surrounded the song Happy Birthday to You for many years and with good reason.

150 Birthday Quotes. -- Some newly discovered evidence may be just the silver bullet that could put the classic song Happy Birthday to You in the public domain. King ruled that the copyright to the lyrics of the popular song Happy Birthday to You is no longer valid.

Happy Birthday Was Copyright Protected Fact Or Myth