Mariah Carey Awarded $92K After Judge Dismisses Copyright Lawsuit Over ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU

Walter Sena
By
Mariah Carey Awarded $92K After Judge Dismisses Copyright Lawsuit Over ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey has scored a legal victory after a U.S. federal judge dismissed a long-running copyright infringement lawsuit targeting her iconic holiday hit, ALL I WANT FOR  CHRISTMAS IS YOU. Following the dismissal, the court ordered that Mariah Carey be awarded more than $92,000 in legal fees, effectively closing the case and reinforcing the song’s protected status as a Christmas classic.

The lawsuit was filed by songwriter Andy Stone, who claimed Mariah Carey’s 1994 chart-topping record copied elements from an earlier song of the same title. Stone sought $20 million in damages, alleging similarities in lyrics and overall composition. However, the court found those claims to be without merit.

In a firm ruling, the judge stated that the alleged similarities were generic and commonplace within holiday music, noting that shared phrases and themes such as longing for love during Christmas are not subject to exclusive ownership. The court concluded that Mariah Carey’s song was original and distinct and that the lawsuit failed to meet the legal threshold required for copyright infringement.

More significantly, the judge imposed sanctions against the plaintiffs’ legal team, describing the arguments presented as frivolous. This led to the order that Stone cover a substantial portion of Mariah Carey’s legal costs, amounting to over $92,000.

The decision officially brings the case to an end and further cements ALL I WANT FOR  CHRISTMAS IS YOU as one of the most successful and enduring holiday songs in music history. Released nearly three decades ago, the track continues to dominate global charts every festive season, generating millions in revenue and cultural relevance.

For Mariah Carey, the ruling is not just a legal win but a clear affirmation of her creative legacy. 


Source: Scripps News

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