You can now sing Happy Birthday copyright free

Global Business

It is perhaps the most famous song in the world, sung by nearly everyone, at least, once a year. It’s Happy Birthday, a song sung at birthday celebrations without a second thought.

Up until recently, Happy Birthday came with a price if it was used in commercial television, movies or public events. That’s because music company Warner Chappell claimed to own the copyright, but guess what, it didn’t.

CCTV America’s May Lee has the story of how an independent filmmaker blew the cover on this dark secret.

You can now sing Happy Birthday copyright free

It is perhaps the most famous song in the world, sung by nearly everyone, at least, once a year. It's Happy Birthday, a song sung at birthday celebrations without a second thought. Up until recently, Happy Birthday came with a price if it was used in commercial television, movies or public events. That's because music company Warner Chappell claimed to own the copyright, but guess what, it didn't. CCTV America's May Lee has the story of how an independent filmmaker blew the cover on this dark secret.


Professor of Law Robert Brauneis on copyright law

CCTV America spoke to Robert Brauneis, Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Intellectual Property Program at the  George Washington University Law School

Professor of Law Robert Brauneis on copyright law

CCTV America spoke to Robert Brauneis, Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Intellectual Property Program at the George Washington University Law School.