Elevate your local knowledge
Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!
Judge approves settlement in ‘Happy Birthday’ copyright case
LOS ANGELES – A judge has approved a settlement that will put Happy Birthday to You in the public domain.
U.S. District Judge George King approved the agreement Monday. It ends the ownership claims of Warner/Chappell Music, the music publishing company that has been collecting royalties on the song for years.
The company has agreed to pay back $14 million to those who have paid licensing fees to use the song.
Last year, King ruled that the company didn't own the lyrics to the ditty, one of the best-known and most beloved songs in the world. He said the company has no right to charge for the song's use.
Warner/Chappell has said it didn't try to collect royalties from just anyone singing the song but those who use it in a commercial enterprise.
News from © iNFOnews.ca, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
