The "Happy Birthday To You" song's lyrics have been ruled OK for the public's use. Federal judge George H. King has passed down the ruling following a lawsuit filed two years ago by Good Morning To You Productions Corp., according to Fox News.
Warner/Chappell Music Inc., previously held the copyright for the happy birthday song, but following this ruling others can now sing the song on television shows, music albums, and films.
King ruled that a copyright filed by the Summy Co., in 1935 granted only the rights to specific piano arrangements of the music, not the actual song, according to LA Times.
The plaintiffs were happy following news of the verdict. This decision was also very exciting for filmmakers who are producing a documentary about the happy birthday song.
"'Happy Birthday' is finally free after 80 years," said Randall Newman - an attorney for the plaintiffs in this case. The Judge's verdict has stopped the defendant in suit - Warner/Chappel Music Inc. to stop making money off of the songs use. Judge King called the defendants claims "implausible and unreasonable," according to The Guardian.
"Happy Birthday To You" was written by sisters Parry and Mildred Hill in 1883, and is considered the most popular song in the world. Had this ruling not been passed down, the song would not be okay for public use in the U.S. until 2030, and in the EU until December 36, 2016.
