In The News Post . . . . Litigant Settling “Happy Birthday To You” Public Domain Suit Awarded $4.6 Million In Fees Under Copyright Act

 

33% Of Settlement Recovery Deemed Far By C.D. Cal. District Judge.

    This post should bring a smile to everyone.  A litigant settling a copyright case resulting in the famous “Happy Birthday To You” song becoming part of the public domain requested attorney’s fees after reaching a $14 million settlement.  The request was for 33% of the settlement fund, or $4.6 million.  U.S. District Judge George H. King (C.D. Cal.) granted the request, finding that a multiplier of lodestar time was warranted based on the result in the case.  For you readers out there with a birthday, happy birthday to you.

BONUS:  The Wikipedia article on “Happy Birthday to You” states:  “According to the 1998 Guinness World Records, ‘Happy Birthday to You’ is the most recognized song in the English language, followed by ‘For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow’.”

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