Mariah Carey Wins Major Attorney Fee Award in Dismissed Christmas Song Lawsuit

A federal judge has ordered the plaintiff in a failed copyright lawsuit to pay Mariah Carey’s legal bills. The ruling came after the case against her hit song “All I Want For Christmas Is You” was dismissed. Country artist Andy Stone, known as Vince Vance, must now pay $92,300.

This decision sanctions Stone and his lawyers for pursuing what the court deemed a frivolous claim. According to Rolling Stone, the judge criticized the legal team’s “egregious” conduct throughout the proceedings.

Judge Sanctions “Frivolous” Legal Arguments in Copyright Case

Judge Mónica Ramírez Almadani dismissed the lawsuit in March. Stone had claimed Carey’s 1994 classic copied a 1988 song by his band, Vince Vance & the Valiants. He sought $20 million in damages from the pop icon and her collaborators.

The court found no substantial evidence of copyright infringement. The judge stated the defendants faced needless expenses defending against baseless arguments. Total sanctions awarded to Carey and other defendants amount to $109,983.

Sony Music received over $14,000. Producer Walter Afanasieff and publisher Kobalt Music also got portions of the fee award. The ruling aims to deter similar unfounded legal actions.

Ethical Violations Compound Legal Defeat for Plaintiff’s Team

The judge identified serious professional conduct issues. Lawyers Gerard Fox and Douglas Schmidt failed to properly represent co-plaintiff Troy Powers. Court documents note they lost contact with their own client.

This failure breached California Rules of Professional Conduct. The attorneys have until January 5 to explain why they should not face disciplinary action. Failure to respond may lead to further sanctions.

The case highlights the risks of weak copyright claims against well-established works. It also underscores the court’s willingness to penalize litigation it views as wasteful.

The court’s fee award reinforces the weakness of the original copyright claim against Mariah Carey’s timeless holiday hit. This ruling serves as a stark reminder of the potential financial consequences for pursuing legally tenuous claims.

Thought you’d like to know

Who sued Mariah Carey over her Christmas song?

Country artist Andy Stone, who performs as Vince Vance, filed the lawsuit. He claimed his band’s 1988 song of the same name was copied.

How much does the plaintiff have to pay?

Andy Stone’s legal counsel was ordered to pay $109,983 in total sanctions. Mariah Carey’s portion of that award is $92,300 for her attorney fees.

Why was the lawsuit dismissed?

The judge dismissed the case in March due to a lack of sufficient evidence. The court found no proof that copyright infringement occurred.

What did the judge say about the lawyers’ conduct?

The judge called the conduct “egregious” and sanctionable. She also cited ethical failures in representing their own client properly.

Could there be more penalties?

Yes. The lawyers face a January 5 deadline to explain ethical lapses. Failure to respond could result in additional disciplinary action.