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Litigation

Sep. 25, 2015

'Happy Birthday' copyright ruled invalid, damages may follow

Films and television shows have historically paid to feature the song "Happy Birthday to You" in their works, but a federal judge ruled Tuesday that Warner/Chappell Music Inc. did not own a valid copyright.


By Ashley Cullins


Daily Journal Staff Writer


Films and television shows have historically paid to feature the song "Happy Birthday
to You" in their works, but a federal judge's ruling Tuesday that Warner/Chappell
Music Inc. did not own a valid copyright to the lyrics has not only impeded future
payments, but raised the question of if and how the defendant will refund licens...

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