And finally… birthday blues

Companies who collect royalties on Happy Birthday to You - the most recognised song in the English language - have been ordered to pay back $14 million collected over the years.

A US judge approved the settlement yesterday following last year’s decision that Warner/Chappell Music does not own the famous lyrics.

US District Judge George King’s ruling puts the song into the public domain and means Warner/Chappell Music has to refund around $14 million collected in licensing fees.

A lawsuit against the company was filed threey ears ago by musicians and filmmakers who were billed for using the song.

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