While not a 'chart' hit in the traditional sense, 'Happy Birthday to You' is arguably the most recognized song in the world. For decades, the music publishing giant Warner/Chappell Music claimed copyright over the song, collecting an estimated $2 million in royalties annually from its use in films, TV shows, and public performances. This is why many restaurants created their own 'birthday songs' to avoid paying fees. However, a massive legal battle led by filmmaker Jennifer Nelson concluded in 2016 when a judge ruled that the song’s copyright was invalid. The melody was originally written by sisters Patty and Mildred Hill in 1893 for a song called 'Good Morning to All.' The court found that the copyright only applied to specific piano arrangements, not the lyrics or the song itself. Consequently, 'Happy Birthday to You' is now in the public domain, free for anyone to use without charge.