I'm afraid I must side with George on his course of action, and feel
sorrow for the general public which will suffer from the actions of one
composer's distant relative (with apparently misguided motives).

The legal issues facing George are nearly insurmountable, and the
revenues his song could provide would fall short of the costs and time
associated with a court fight.  All this for one "similar" passage!
For historical perspective, may I remind you all of the "He's so Fine"
vs. "My Sweet Lord" (hint: the other George lost).

In my dealings with the Currier & Ives Foundation, I come across the
misuse of Messrs. Currier and Ives works constantly.  In our case
though, we prefer that the images they produced be used and enjoyed.
We could shut down most any person using the "full" images tomorrow
(not because of copyright, but because of TM), but what purpose does
it serve?

George, you have my sympathies.

Scott Currier
http://www.currierandives.com