Judge Likely to Dismiss Mariah Carey Christmas Song Copyright Lawsuit
Mariah Carey performing on illuminated stage
Photo Credit: Filipe Vicente / Setor VIP
A federal judge appears ready to dismiss the copyright infringement lawsuit against Mariah Carey regarding her hit song "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Andy Stone, performing as Vince Vance, claims his 1989 country song of the same name was copied by Carey's 1994 release.
The lawsuit alleges Carey's version borrowed compositional elements and lyrical phrases, including the title and structural comparisons between romantic love and seasonal luxury. Stone's legal team also points to similar syncopated chord patterns between the two works.
Judge Mónica Ramírez Almadani is "inclined" to grant summary judgment in Carey's favor, effectively ending the case. Additionally, the court is considering imposing sanctions against the plaintiffs for filing what defendants claim is a "frivolous" lawsuit.
The defendants argue that the plaintiffs' experts failed to properly analyze prior art or distinguish between protectable and unprotectable elements of expression. If sanctions are approved, this case could set an important precedent for handling questionable copyright claims in the music industry.
The final ruling and decision on sanctions are still pending.
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