"Happy New Year!" Rights Purchased by Rupert Murdoch and Others!

Not the year itself --not yet-- but the phrase.

A new partnership of companies have had trademark registrations approved in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium, Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Remy-News Universal LLC, formed last year in Brussels, announced the successful registration today. "We expect to include all members of the European Union when the registration comes before the European Commerce Commission early in 2008," said a spokesman for Remy-News.

Remy-News Universal has major stockholders that include Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation, owner of Fox Network, newspapers and other media and Remy Martin International, the maker and distributer of such brands as Cognac and Mt. Gay Rum.

"It's further brand application and development," added the spokesman. "A natural extension of what both major stockholders do."

It seems like a sensible business move in this increasing global world of commerce. Registering "Happy New Year!" as a trademark, along with its derivatives, will allow the newly formed partnership to enhance value for its minority stockholders within each brand. Registration is pending on the New York Stock Exchange, but the Company has applied for the symbol "HNY"

This move is not without its critics, both in the United States and in Europe. French official are concerned that the news and liquor giant will misuse the Champaign moniker which is an intellectually protected name.

There is speculation that a group of Champaign producers will eventually make a combined purchase of Remy-News stock. Or that Remy-News Universal will purchase Champaign outright.

In the United States, opposition ranges from the "700 Club" to the National Football League to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

"We don't feel that anybody has the right to trademark "Happy New Year", the words, the phrase, what have you," said a lawyer from the ACLU. "This will mean that anybody saying 'Happy New Year' will have to think twice as to whether they are violating international law. We just don't think it's fair. They could owe royalties for just saying the words."

The leading political candidates for president of the United States each commented. Senator Hillary Clinton (D.NY) released a statement that said, in part, "... we live in a capitalist country, unfortunately. Things like this will happen". She expressed her hope the the Chinese New Year would at least remain free. Senator Barack Obama (D. IL) said through a spokesman, "It's really the meaning of the season, not the words." Mike Huckabee, the leading Republican candidate in the polls in Iowa and several states, issued a statement saying, ".... Happy New Year, the day, belongs to the people. If there can be exclusion for private use, then the United States is a nation of laws, and I will respect those laws as President."

Experts are unsure of how this will effect both general commerce and free speech. Holders of trademarks generally vigorously defend their ownership, so many legal confrontations are expected.

"Will this mean I can't say 'Happy New Year' to my neighbor, or even a stranger on the street?" asked Brian Piles, a shopper on North Michigan Avenue, in Chicago. "What about signs that say that?"

Those are questions that will no doubt be asked in the coming year. Starting in 2009, "Happy New Year", like the "Superbowl" name, will not be in the public domain.

"Better say it now," said the spokeswoman for the ACLU. "While it's free."

Related: Remy-News has also filed a patent application in the United States and with the European Union, which may eventually effect the manner in which the New Year is celebrated.

Happy New Year!