Mariah Carey Triumphs in Copyright Lawsuit Over Festive Hit
- paolo bibat
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
In a landmark ruling, pop icon Mariah Carey has emerged victorious in a high-profile copyright infringement case concerning her beloved holiday anthem, "All I Want for Christmas Is You."
The decision, handed down by U.S. District Judge Monica Almadani in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 20, 2025, marks the end of a legal battle that began in November 2023.
The lawsuit, initiated by songwriters Andy Stone (performing as Vince Vance) and Troy Powers, sought $20 million in damages, alleging that Carey's 1994 hit unlawfully borrowed elements from their 1989 country song of the same name.
The plaintiffs claimed that Carey's version mirrored their song's "unique linguistic structure" and thematic elements, arguing an "overwhelming likelihood" that Carey had been exposed to their work.
Judge Almadani, however, found insufficient evidence to support the plaintiffs' claims of substantial similarity between the two compositions. The court relied on expert testimony highlighting that both songs merely shared "Christmas song clichés" common to numerous pre-existing holiday tracks. This ruling effectively dismantled the core of the plaintiffs' argument, affirming Carey's original contribution to the genre.
In a surprising turn, the judge not only dismissed the case but also imposed sanctions on Stone, Powers, and their legal team. Almadani characterized their arguments as "frivolous" and "unsupported," mandating that they cover a portion of Carey's legal expenses.
This decision sends a strong message about the importance of substantiated claims in copyright disputes within the music industry.
The verdict represents a significant win for Carey and her co-writer Walter Afanasieff, whose festive creation has become a modern Christmas standard. Since its release, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" has achieved unprecedented success, consistently topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart during the holiday season since 2019.
While Carey's legal team and representatives have yet to comment on the ruling, the decision reaffirms the song's status as an original work and protects its place in the pantheon of holiday classics.
As for the plaintiffs, their attorney, Gerard P. Fox, expressed disappointment with the outcome, hinting at the possibility of an appeal.
This case highlights the complex nature of copyright law in the music industry, especially concerning works that draw on common themes and traditions. As the holiday season approaches, Carey's yuletide hit is poised to continue its reign, now with the added assurance of legal validation.
