Happy Birthday to you.

They are the most popular lyrics in the world, but up until now singing " Happy Birthday "

could have cost you a $ 1, 500 licensing fee and to avoid paying up some people on TV and in the movies

have had to be a little inventive when singing " Happy Birthday."

Happy birthday, happy birthday to you.

But now a " Happy Birthday " gift from Federal Judge George King.

He ruled on Tuesday that " Happy Birthday " is part of the public domain.

The decision comes in a lawsuit filed two years ago by Good Morning to You Productions,

which is producing a documentary tentatively titled " Happy Birthday ".

They sued Warner/Chappell, who claimed ownership to the song and were seeking the licensing fee.

So how did this wind up in court?

Let's go back, way back, to the 19th century.

That's when the song was written by sisters Mildred and Patty Hill.

They originally wrote the famous melody to the lyrics " good morning to all " and they licensed the music rights

to a company that was eventually acquired by Warner, and that's the rub.

The judge wrote that while ownership of the melody has changed hands,

the origin of the Happy Birthday lyrics is unclear and as a result Warner/Chappell did not own a valid copyright.

So the next time you 're celebrating, sing loud.

The song is free.

As for singing lessons?

Well, that's another story.

Happy birthday to you.