Mariah Carey Wins Copyright Battle Over Christmas Classic
In a decisive legal victory, pop superstar Mariah Carey has been cleared of allegations that her beloved holiday anthem 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' was copied from an earlier musical composition.
The lawsuit, filed by songwriter Andy Stone, claimed that Carey and her co-writer Walter Afanasieff had improperly borrowed elements from his 1989 song 'All I Want for Christmas Is You'. Stone sought $20 million in damages, arguing that the similarities between the two tracks constituted copyright infringement.
However, the federal judge presiding over the case swiftly dismissed the lawsuit, finding no substantial evidence to support Stone's claims. Key points of the ruling included:
- Lack of substantial musical similarity between the two songs
- Different stylistic approaches and musical arrangements
- No proven intentional copying by Carey or her collaborators
The decision represents a significant moment for artists' creative rights, reinforcing the principle that musical inspiration does not automatically constitute plagiarism. Carey's song, released in 1994, has become a global holiday phenomenon, generating millions in royalties and streaming revenue each year.
This legal triumph ensures that Carey can continue to enjoy the success of her iconic Christmas track, which has become a seasonal staple for millions of listeners worldwide.
