Happy Birthday copyright question - is this a thing?

Not sure if this is even a thing, but it is getting some traction on social media in the last couple days.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/happy-birthday-lawsuit-smoking-gun-811144?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20150727/16042931768/happy-birthday-copyright-bombshell-new-evidence-warner-music-previously-hid-shows-song-is-public-domain.shtml

lol, money

I revived this:

Surely that can't be under copyright

but the story could use a searchable thread, interesting detective work

http://arstechnica.com/apple/2015/07/filmmakers-fighting-happy-birthday-copyright-find-their-smoking-gun/

public domain:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/happy-birthday-copyright-ruled-be-826528

Unless UK

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-34332853

Despite the ruling, the song still remains under copyright in the UK and other countries - and caution should be exercised over its use, says intellectual property lawyer Mark Owen. of Take That. OK, I added that bit.

update

http://boingboing.net/2015/12/11/happy-birthdays-copyright-st.html