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News and Public Affairs

Should "Happy Birthday" be Protected by Copyright?

Here's an idea: a PBS show that examines the connections between pop culture, technology, and art.

Should "Happy Birthday" be Protected by Copyright?

Season 2012 Episode 23 | 5m 42s

Did you know the rights to "Happy Birthday" are still privately held today? Copyright was originally created for two reasons: to protect the original creators so they could benefit from their work AND have creative works enter the Public Domain. Unfortunately, the whole system has gotten out of whack with copyright extensions that extend far beyond the life of the creator.

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