did you know who owns the rights for the song “Happy Birthday”? Warner does, bought them in 1990 including the company who owned those rights since 1935 for 15 million dollars. or they bought the company and therefore the rights as well – however you want it. the song was written in 1893 by two kindergarten teachers and has an estimated value of 5 million dollars. And now the tough part:

“Warner claims [...] that unauthorized public performances of the song are technically illegal unless royalties are paid to it.” found on Wikipedia

so this entry is just a heads up to you all. i want you to be really careful and not sing or otherwise perform this song without authorization from Warner. so please, if somebody’s birthday is coming up, write to Warner and ask nicely about permission and their paypal-account. i’m telling you because i care.

i’m just glad i never (ever, for real) sang this song – i could be rotting in jail …