A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit over whether or not the song Happy Birthday is owned by a music publisher – that has earned millions by enforcing its copyright.

In September a federal judge in Los Angeles ruled that Warner/Chappell Music didn’t own the lyrics – and had no right to charge for their use.

A trial was set to begin next week – on calls for the publisher to return fees collected over the years for use of the song – in movies and other commercial ventures.

That trial could have settled whether the song is in the public domain.

But the judge cancelled the trial because a settlement was reached.

No details were disclosed.