Happy Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

It may not be recent news (Oct 2004) But, I was surprised to learn that a Chinese company has apparently registered a "Happy Birthday" brand. This means the phrase can no longer be used on a range of products in about 25 countries across the world as it is now this company's trademark. The countries that the company Fufeng acquired a right over the phrase include the US, Japan and the European Union members.

Fufeng is a major toy manufacturer with more than $5 million annual export turnover. The company markets about 70 products including toys, dresses, shoes and hats. Faced by the increasingly fierce competition in the world toy market, the company realised the importance of branding its products and registered the "well-known and pleasant phrase" .

Personally I feel there are some things that should be left to the public domain. This reminds me of the guy who tried to patent the wheel . . . except these guys are getting away with it.