A federal court in Los Angeles has delivered a significant ruling in favor of Mariah Carey regarding her beloved holiday hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Judge Mónica Ramírez Almadani granted summary judgment to Carey and co-writer Walter Afanasieff, effectively dismissing a lawsuit that claimed copyright infringement before it could go to trial.

Background of the Lawsuit

The legal action was initiated in 2023 by songwriters Andy Stone, known as Vince Vance, and Troy Powers, who alleged that Carey’s iconic 1994 track infringed on their 1989 song of the same name. They sought $20 million in damages, contending that Carey’s version borrowed significant elements from their earlier work, which had gained traction on the Billboard Hot Country chart.

Claims and Legal Arguments

According to their complaint, Stone and Powers asserted that their song explores the desire for companionship over material gifts, told through a letter to Santa Claus, a theme they argued was unique to their track. Their legal representative, Gerard P. Fox, expressed disappointment over the ruling, noting a trend where judges dismiss music copyright cases at this level. Fox mentioned, “My client will make a decision shortly on whether to appeal,” citing the support of two musicologists involved in the case.

Court’s Findings

Judge Ramírez Almadani, after reviewing expert testimonies from both sides, sided with Carey’s defense. She concluded that both songs utilized common holiday themes and clichés that predated their compositions. The judge emphasized that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate substantial similarity between the two songs, which was pivotal for a copyright claim.

In addition to dismissing the case, the judge ordered sanctions against the plaintiffs and their legal team, labeling the lawsuit as frivolous and noting a lack of reasonable effort to substantiate their arguments. The plaintiffs were also directed to cover part of the defendants’ legal expenses.

The Impact of Carey’s Classic

Despite the legal challenges, Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has continued to flourish, achieving remarkable chart success including being ranked No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive years. More than just a Christmas favorite, the song has shattered streaming records, amassing over 2 billion plays on Spotify.

Interestingly, although Carey and Afanasieff have had previous public disputes regarding their songwriting contributions, this lawsuit has momentarily united them in defense of their shared creation.

Recent Developments

In a notable public relations effort, Carey previously sought to trademark the title “Queen of Christmas,” but this petition was denied by the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Furthermore, Carey has been named among the nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2025, highlighting her enduring influence in the music industry.