Which world-famous song was under copyright for 80 years before entering the public domain in 2016?
The world's most recognizable song was not always free to use and was a major source of revenue for music publishers.
Legal History:
- Copyright: The song was protected by copyright until 2016, earning Warner/Chappell Music about $2 million in royalties per year.
- Public Domain: A federal judge finally ruled the song belonged in the public domain, making it free for everyone to use in movies and TV.
Original Melody:
- Good Morning: The tune was originally written in 1893 as 'Good Morning to All' by sisters Patty and Mildred Hill for kindergarten students.