Every time you hear the song 'Happy Birthday' in a film or on TV the producers of the film would of had to pay royalties, which seems strange for a song so popular. But this week a US federal judge has ruled that the company collecting royalties to 'Happy Birthday to you' does not hold a valid copyright to the song .
This also means you can now legally sing Happy Birthday in public.
The tune was composed by two Kentucky sisters in 1893. Mildred and Patty Hill called their version Good Morning To All, which later evolved into the version popular at birthday parties around the world. The case against Warner/Chappell was launched in 2013 by Rupa Marya and Robert Siegel, who are making a film about the song. The music publisher asked for $1,500 (£970) for the right to use "Happy Birthday To You" in the film. Ms Marya and Mr Siegel argued the song was in the public domain and should not be subject to copyright fees.
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