Posted by Gary P on 11/06/05 01:56

"Larry J." <usenet2@DE.LETE.THISljvideo.com> wrote in message
news:Xns97057D0796C3Dthefrogprince@68.6.19.6...
> Waiving the right to remain silent, "Gary P" <nospam@thankyou.com>
> said:
>
>> Well I hope you guys voluntarily pay royalties every time you
>> sing "Happy Birthday"
>
> AFAIK, I can go into the street and sing "Happy Birthday" all day
> long - as long as my neighbors don't shoot me - wihout infringing on
> copyright.

No you can't. you can sing it in the home, but performing it in a pbuclic
space like a street, restaurant, or sports arena technically requires a
license from ASCAP or the Harry Fox agency.

> But, if I try to use the song for TV, radio, or sync it in any way
> for a production, that's where the owner's rights kick in.

So better not film your grandma's birthday...

Gary

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