Copyright Litigation Filed Over "Happy Birthday" Song

Millions of Britons probably missed the
Warner-Chappell memo about copyright protection
for Happy Birthday to You.  

Believe it or not, the song Happy Birthday to You has been subject to copyright protection for decades. I'm willing to guess that the millions of people who've blown out birthday candles never imagined themselves a beloved lyric away from a cease and desist notice.

According to an Associated Press story reprinted in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's online edition, two firms are about to enter a courtroom battle over rights to the song. The defendant is LA-based Warner/Chappell Music Inc., which represents a stable of musicians, including Aretha Franklin and Madonna. The firm, a division of Warner Music, also owns rights to the song Winter Wonderland.