<blockquote>According to a court filing on Monday, music publisher Warner/Chappell will pay $14 million to end a lawsuit challenging its hold on the English language's most popular song, "Happy Birthday to You." Additionally, the settlement stipulates a proposed final judgment and order that would declare the song to be in the public domain. A memorandum in support of the settlement sings the praises of the deal as "truly, an historic result." U.S. District Judge George H. King will have to sign off on it.</blockquote>
via <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/warner-music-pays-14-million-863120">Warner Music Pays $14 Million to End 'Happy Birthday' Copyright Lawsuit - Hollywood Reporter</a>.
<blockquote>But for now, the settlement provides a big final act to the <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/happy-birthday-all-filmmaker-aims-568355" target="_blank">class action lawsuit</a> brought by film director Jennifer Nelson<strong>, </strong>who was making a documentary about "Happy Birthday" and was asked to pay a $1,500 license fee.</blockquote>