The song topped sales in more than 20 countries (James Devane/Getty)
Facing the American singer Mariah Carey A judicial accusation of infringement intellectual property rights Because of her famous Christmas song “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by an artist who is demanding $20 million in damages.
Complainant Andy Stone alleges that he co-wrote and recorded a song of the same name in 1989, without ever authorizing its use, according to the complaint filed Friday in southern Louisiana.
The plaintiff is seeking $20 million in damages from Mariah Carey, who released her hit song in 1994.
Andy Stone accuses the singer and Walter Afanasyev, who co-wrote the Gregorian work, of having “knowingly, intently and premeditatedly engaged in an operation designed to infringe” his intellectual property rights.
All I Want for Christmas Is You remains one of the biggest hits of all time: it has topped sales in more than 20 countries, and is widely broadcast every year.
The hit song has sold 16 million copies, and is said to have earned Mariah Carey nearly $60 million over three decades.
On the other hand, Andy Stone’s song, recorded with his band “Vince Vance and the Valiants”, was a modest success with country music fans.
While the two songs have the same title, they differ in music and lyrics.
However, nearly thirty years following her debut, Andy Stone accuses the singer of seeking to “exploit the popularity and unique style” of his song while creating “confusion”.
The document filed with the Louisiana Court notes that the plaintiff’s lawyers contacted Mariah Carey and her co-author last year, but “they were unable to reach an agreement.”
The singer’s representatives might not be reached for comment.
In total, 177 songs titled All I Want for Christmas Is You were registered on the website of the US Intellectual Property Office.
(AFP)
