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Author Topic: Happy Birthday song copyright no longer valid  (Read 2960 times)

Steve M Smith

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Happy Birthday song copyright no longer valid
« on: September 23, 2015, 02:37:26 PM »
We can now sing Happy Birthday at gigs without fear of a copyright infringement claim:  http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-happy-birthday-song-lawsuit-decision-20150922-story.html


Steve.
« Last Edit: September 24, 2015, 02:46:34 AM by Steve M Smith »
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frank kayser

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Re: Happy Birthday song no longer valid
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2015, 04:03:24 PM »
Quote from: Steve M Smith on September 23, 2015, 02:37:26 PM
We can now sing Happy Birthday at gigs without fear of a copyright infringement claim:  http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-happy-birthday-song-lawsuit-decision-20150922-story.html


Steve.
No more of those awful substitute songs made up by restaurants. WooHoo!
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Mark Cadwallader

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Re: Happy Birthday song no longer valid
« Reply #2 on: September 23, 2015, 11:32:34 PM »
Before too many folks rejoice at this news, please keep in mind that (a) the District Court's ruling is subject to appeal; and (b) the ruling is binding only in the federal court district in which it was issued.  The class action has apparently not (yet) been certified (allowed to be formed), based on what I glean from the L.A. Times article. YMMV; this is not legal advice; consult your own legal advisor, blah, blah, blah.
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Steve M Smith

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Re: Happy Birthday song no longer valid
« Reply #3 on: September 24, 2015, 02:46:02 AM »
Or just carry on singing Happy Birthday regardless as we always have - including an extra verse.


Steve.
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frank kayser

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Re: Happy Birthday song no longer valid
« Reply #4 on: September 25, 2015, 01:22:04 PM »
Quote from: Steve M Smith on September 24, 2015, 02:46:02 AM
Or just carry on singing Happy Birthday regardless as we always have - including an extra verse.


Steve.

If the place of business has paid ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, then it doesn't matter. "Dues" are paid up.

frank
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Jonathan Johnson

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Re: Happy Birthday song no longer valid
« Reply #5 on: September 27, 2015, 01:03:13 AM »
Quote from: Steve M Smith on September 24, 2015, 02:46:02 AM
Or just carry on singing Happy Birthday regardless as we always have - including an extra verse.


Steve.

"Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday Dear insertnamehere!
Happy Birthday to you!
Copyright Nineteen Thirty Five!
All Rights Reserved!"

Somehow, those last two lines just don't seem to fit, musically.
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Stop confusing the issue with facts and logic!

Steve M Smith

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Re: Happy Birthday song copyright no longer valid
« Reply #6 on: September 27, 2015, 05:30:38 AM »
The extra verse we usually add is:

Hope you live a hundred years
And drink a thousand beers
Get plastered you old bastard
Happy birthday to you.

(not suitable for children's parties!).


Steve.
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ProSoundWeb Community

Re: Happy Birthday song copyright no longer valid
« Reply #6 on: September 27, 2015, 05:30:38 AM »

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