Mariah Carey Prevails in Copyright Lawsuit Over Holiday Classic

LOS ANGELES – A federal judge in Los Angeles recently adjudicated that Mariah Carey did not appropriate her famous holiday anthem, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” This ruling, delivered by Judge Mónica Ramírez Almadani, grants Carey and co-writer Walter Afanasieff a significant legal victory by dismissing the case before it proceeded to a trial.

Details of the Lawsuit

The case originated in 2023 when songwriters Andy Stone—known artistically as Vince Vance—and Troy Powers initiated a $20 million lawsuit. They claimed that Carey’s 1994 track, now a staple of holiday music, violated the copyright of their own version released in 1989, which shares the same title.

In their filing, Stone and Powers asserted that their song articulated a narrative where a person, disillusioned by material gifts and seasonal indulgence, expresses their desire for companionship in a letter to Santa Claus. They contended that the similarities were substantial enough to warrant claims of copyright infringement, noting an “overwhelming likelihood” that Carey and Afanasieff had encountered their version.

Judge’s Ruling and Expert Testimonies

Following analyses from expert witnesses for both parties, Judge Almadani sided with the defense. She concluded that the common thematic elements employed in Christmas songs predated both works. According to her assessment, the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate enough similarity between the songs, indicating that the phrases utilized in Carey’s song were not unique to the plaintiffs’ composition.

Consequences for the Plaintiffs

In her ruling, Judge Almadani also issued a sanction against Stone, Powers, and their legal counsel, declaring their lawsuit to be frivolous. She noted that the suit lacked a reasonable basis and ordered the plaintiffs to cover some of the defendants’ legal expenses. Stone and Powers’ attorney, Gerard P. Fox, commented on the judge’s ruling, stating, “It is my experience that judges at this level nearly always dismiss a music copyright case… My client will make a decision shortly on whether to appeal.” The case relied upon the opinions of two reputable musicologists who had previously evaluated the matter.

Looking Forward

The outcome of this case highlights the complexities involved in copyright law, particularly within the music industry. As holiday music continues to generate significant revenue annually, disputes over copyrights are likely to persist, prompting artists and producers to be vigilant regarding originality and inspiration.

This legal development adds an unexpected chapter to the narrative of Carey’s music career, affirming her position as a significant figure in holiday music, while also illustrating the rigorous scrutiny faced in artistic endeavors.