Mariah Carey Awarded $92,000 After Copyright Case Over ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ Fails

Mariah Carey Awarded $92,000 After Copyright Case Over 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' Fails
By Shawn Miller - Public Domain

Mariah Carey closes the year with a legal victory tied to one of the most recognizable songs in modern pop history.

A federal court has ordered financial sanctions following the dismissal of a copyright lawsuit connected to her 1994 holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” a ruling that arrives as the song continues its extraordinary run across charts, streaming platforms, and seasonal traditions worldwide.

A Lawsuit That Failed to Hold

Court documents obtained by People magazine show that on December 23, a judge ordered attorney Gerard P. Fox to pay Mariah Carey $92,303.20 after determining that his legal arguments lacked relevance and that his conduct during the case crossed procedural boundaries.

The lawsuit was filed in November 2023 by Andy Stone and Troy Powers, who claimed Carey’s song copied elements from their 1989 track of the same name released by Vince Vance and the Valiants. The plaintiffs sought $20 million dollars in damages and pushed for a jury trial.

In March, Judge Monica Almadani dismissed the case after finding insufficient evidence to support claims of copyright infringement. In her later ruling on sanctions, she stated the penalties were imposed in part for “punishment and deterrence,” citing repeated procedural missteps.

Musicology and the Court’s Conclusion

A technical review played a central role in the decision. Musicologist Lawrence Ferrara analyzed both works and concluded they were “very different,” explaining that their only shared elements involved broad holiday themes and familiar lyrical ideas common to Christmas music long before either song was released.

The court agreed, finding no similarities in melody, harmony, rhythm, or lyrics. Records also show that Fox violated a bifurcation order and submitted a summary judgment motion described as “improper and frivolous.”

As a result, he must pay a combined total of $109,983.20 dollars to Carey and other defendants, including co songwriter Walter Afanasieff, within 90 days. Fox has yet to issue a public response.

Mariah Carey Has A Career Shaped by Ownership and Identity

The ruling carries particular resonance given Carey’s long history of defending her work in an industry where questions of authorship and control often surface around artists of color. As a woman of Afro-Venezuelan descent, her career has unfolded alongside persistent scrutiny over creative ownership, even as her influence has shaped modern pop music.

This decision reinforces a clear conclusion. The song stands on its own creative foundation, supported by both musical analysis and the court’s findings.

A Holiday Song That Refuses to Fade

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” continues to expand its legacy. The song recently reached its twenty first week at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, setting a record unmatched in chart history.

It has also become the first holiday song to surpass two billion streams on Spotify and now holds the record for the longest chart presence by a female artist. Each December, the track returns with renewed force, driven by social media, family rituals, and collective nostalgia.

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