Mariah Carey hit with copyright lawsuit over 'All I Want for Christmas Is You'

The lawsuit has been brought by songwriter Andy Stone, known artistically as Vince Vance and the Valiants, who alleges he co-wrote a song with the same title five years earlier.

According to CNN, the complaint filed on June 3, 2022 in New Orleans federal court shows that Stone, who lives in Mississippi, is seeking at least $20 million in damages over alleged "copyright infringement and unjust enrichment" and misappropriation, among other claims, from Carey and her co-writer Walter Afanasieff as well as from Sony Corporation of America and its subsidiary Sony Music Entertainment.

Stone accused the defendants of having illegally exploited his "popularity and unique style".

Though both versions are musically and lyrically different, Stone said the defendants, Carey, Afansieff and Sony, "never sought or obtained permission" for the use of the title "All I Want for Christmas Is You," which he claims caused confusion by recording of the newer song without his permission.

The court filing describes Stone as a self-employed artist who earns his livelihood in the business of performing, selling and licensing his copyrighted music, CNN reported.

Stone, who co-wrote and recorded the song in Nashville in 1989, claims his version of the song received "extensive airplay" during the 1993 Christmas season and "began making appearances on the Billboard Music Charts."

Carey’s version of the song was released in 1994 as part of her “Merry Christmas” album.

The tune has long received widespread play on the radio and on streaming services, particularly during the holiday season, essentially turning the song into the ultimate Christmas anthem globally.

The song has been streamed at least 1 billion times on Spotify and has earned $60 million in royalties as of 2017.