Heirs Of Santa Clause Song Composer Win Court Case

A recent decision by the 2nd U.S. Court of Appeals has held that a share in the copyright of the song “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” will be re-established for the heirs of the song’s composer.  In this case the daughter and granddaughter of John Frederick Coots sued EMI Feist Catalog Inc. in Manhattan federal court claiming that they are entitled to re-establishing their share of copyright ownership.  The court rejected EMI Feist’s claim that it could hold its copyright until 2029.  The family is hoping to be able to receive a songwriter’s royalty cut from its share of the copyright. 

See Larry Neumeister, Appeals Court Rules For Heirs Of Santa Claus Song Composer, Associated Press, October 8, 2015.