Happy Birthday To You: A Copyright Saga Chapter Closes

As most are now aware, the song which has for years been a staple of American birthday celebrations has been wrested from the clutches of Warner/Chappell and placed in the. Continue reading

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How Much Will Losing “Happy Birthday” Copyright Cost Warner Music?

Warner Music has owned what it believed to be a copyright for the iconic song "Happy Birthday" since 1988. But last week, a federal judge declared their copyright entirely invalid.. Continue reading

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4 Ways Musicians Can Make Money With Happy Birthday Now That It’s In The Public Domain

In a stunning reversal, a federal judge ruled that all copyright claims against "Happy Birthday" are invalid and declaring that the song is in the public domain and free to. Continue reading

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Fake Warner Music Email Threatens Top Torrent Uploaders

Several active uploaders have received threatening emails, purportedly from the Warner Music Group. Filled with spelling and grammar errors and sent from an masked address outside of WMG, it is. Continue reading

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Ray Charles Foundation Wins Round In Battle With His 7 Children

Confusing and antiquated copyright laws open the door for a multitude of lawsuits- some much needed (Flo & Eddie) and others more specious.  The battle between Ray Charles' 7 children. Continue reading

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Music Publishing’s Metadata Problem

While there has been significant discussion of late over how streaming services pay artists and labels, the means by which publishers and songwriters are compensated has been shockingly absent from. Continue reading

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The “Happy Birthday” Copyright Bombshell

Are we seeing more blurred lines controversy? For years Warner/Chappell have been collecting millions in royalties off of the song "Happy Birthday," but recent evidence, revealed last minute during a. Continue reading

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Spotify Names James Duffett-Smith Global As Head of Publisher Relations

Spotify has appointed James Duffett-Smith as Global Head of Publisher Relations. Previously he was Head of Licensing Business Affairs at Spotify, which is joined in 2009.

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Rdio Names Warner/Chappell Music Exec Iain Morris As VP Global Music Publishing

Music streaming service Rdio has named Iain Morris as Vice President of Global Music Publishing. Prior to joining Rdio, Morris was Head of Digital, EMEA at Warner/Chappell Music Publishing.

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Warner/Chappell Music Names Jon Platt President

Jon Platt has been promoted to President, North America, Warner/Chappell Music. He will take on any expanded leadership role, overseeing teams across WCM’s offices. Platt most recently served as Warner/Chappell’s President,. Continue reading

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