The “Happy Birthday” song is no longer under copyright protection. (Yup, it was copyrighted all along.)

Ever wonder why you very rarely hear characters in TV shows and movies sing “Happy Birthday?” Instead they’ll cheer, sing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” or simply begin singing the song, only to be interrupted.

That’s because, until now, Warner Chappell Music (a division of the Warner Music Group) held the rights to the song, and would require a hefty license fee for anyone wanting to use it!

But according to an LA judge, Warner/Chappell Music does not, in fact, hold a valid claim to the song. While someone else could still step forward and claim copyright, according to The Guardian, “Happy Birthday” is now effectively free to use by the media (and you, if you ever want to release a birthday video on YouTube).

A number of plaintiffs challenged the publisher’s claim to the lyrics, including filmmaker Jennifer Nelson, who was told she’d have to pay $1,500 USD to use “Happy Birthday” in a documentary she was making about the song itself.

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Luckily for Nelson, Judge King ruled that Warner’s claims to the song were, “implausible and unreasonable.” Because, although rights to the melody were acquired back in 1935, rights to the lyrics were not. This means that, in King’s assessment, Warner “does not own a valid copyright.”

Although Warner is considering its options, for now, “Happy Birthday” is fair game.

“‘Happy Birthday’ is finally free after 80 years,” said Randall Newman, the plaintiffs’ attorney. “Finally, the charade is over.”

Now they can start working on clearing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”