Submission + - Federal Judge Rules Warner Doesn't Own Happy Birthday (washingtonpost.com)
"A California federal judge ruled Tuesday that “Happy Birthday to You” does not belong to the mega music corporation that has long claimed it. Instead, the world’s most popular song belongs to, well, the world."
Other details are that Warner was receiving at least $2 million per year in royalties, and that a class-action suit to recoup said fees over the years is probably in the makings.
This is a perfect example regarding copyright in perpetuity.