Photo: WENN
After over 25 years of doing so, it's been ruled that Warner/Chappell does not have the right to collect royalties for the song 'Happy Birthday To You'.
The song, which you're probably fairly familiar with, was written by Mildred and Patty Hill in 1893, under the name 'Good Morning To All'. It later evolved into the version that's still sung today at birthday celebrations throughout the world.
Despite its ubiquity though, it's rare to hear the song in films - often characters instead sing 'For He's A Jolly Good Fellow' - thanks to Warner/Chappell's tight grip over the copyright.
Now though, US judge George King has ruled that the copyright was only granted for specific arrangements of the music, not the song itself.
Listen to 'Happy Birthday To You' below
The company have made around $2 million a year from royalty payments since 1988 - which means they've made around $54 million since they began claiming copyright. Some are calling for Warner/Chappell to pay back the money they've taken.
In response to the ruling, a spokesperson for the company said, "We are looking at the court's lengthy opinion and considering our options."
