Mariah Carey successfully defended herself in a copyright dispute over her song "All I Want for Christmas Is You" after a judge in Los Angeles dismissed allegations that the track infringed on another song. The lawsuit, which sought damages of at least $20 million, claimed that Carey's 1994 hit song was too similar to a 1989 song with the same title by songwriters Troy Powers and Andy Stone. However, the judge ruled that the songs were not substantially alike, noting that they shared only common holiday music themes, with different chord structures and rhythms. The judge criticized the plaintiffs for their weak legal arguments and ordered them to reimburse Carey for part of her legal fees. "All I Want for Christmas Is You," co-written by Carey and Walter Afanasieff, has become a Christmas classic, topping music charts globally and generating significant revenue each year. Carey's song has been widely streamed and is one of the most iconic holiday tunes ever produced. No comments have been made by representatives of Carey, Sony Music, or the plaintiffs regarding the court ruling.