‘Happy Birthday’ To Everyone: Judge Rules Song In Public Domain

The most famous song in the English language now belongs to everyone.

FOX News Radio’s Chris Foster reports:

(Song) “Happy Birthday to you…”

A federal judge in Los Angeles has blown out the candles on that song’s copyright, ruling “Happy Birthday To You” is in the public domain.

He says the music publisher Warner/Chappell only owns specific piano arrangements, not the lyrics. That means no more charging for commercial use — like in recordings, movies, or TV.

It was worth millions in royalties and the makers of a documentary about the song sued to stop that.

The lyrics were written by Mildred and Patty Hill in the late 1800’s, set to the tune of a song called “Good Morning To All”. Warner/Chappell bought the copyright in 1988.

Chris Foster, FOX News Radio.