Get All Access for $5/mo

Mariah Carey Isn't the 'Queen of Christmas,' According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Here's Who Else Is Coming for the Crown. The pop star applied for rights to the title in March 2021, hoping to market a line of products with it.

By Amanda Breen Edited by Jessica Thomas

CBS Photo Archive | Getty Images

Mariah Carey's 1994 hit single "All I Want for Christmas Is You" signals the start of the Christmas season for many — earning her near-royal holiday status over the years.

But the pop star's bid to officially claim her "Queen of Christmas" title was dismissed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on November 15, TODAY reported, after two other singers challenged Carey's claim to the throne.

Related: A Shark-Tank Backed Christmas Entrepreneur's Tips for Pitching and Staying Calm

Billboard dubbed Carey's modern Christmas hit "the biggest song in the world" last season, as it topped both the Billboard Global 200 and the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. on December 25.

According to U.S. Patent and Trademark records, Carey applied for rights to the title in March 2021, hoping to market perfume, clothing, footwear and beverages with it.

But when the application was made public in July 2022, Darlene Love, known for her 1963 hit "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" and Elizabeth Chan, also a Christmas singer-songwriter, weren't happy.

Related: Watch Who Shows Up on 'All I Want For Christmas' All-Star Carpool Karoake

"Christmas has come way before any of us on earth, and hopefully will be around way after any of us on earth," Chan told Variety. "And I feel very strongly that no one person should hold onto anything around Christmas or monopolize it in the way that Mariah seeks to in perpetuity."

Amanda Breen

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior Features Writer

Amanda Breen is a senior features writer at Entrepreneur.com. She is a graduate of Barnard College and received an MFA in writing at Columbia University, where she was a news fellow for the School of the Arts.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Side Hustle

At 16, She Started a Side Hustle While 'Stuck at Home.' Now It's on Track to Earn Over $3.1 Million This Year.

Evangelina Petrakis, 21, was in high school when she posted on social media for fun — then realized a business opportunity.

Health & Wellness

I'm a CEO, Founder and Father of 2 — Here Are 3 Practices That Help Me Maintain My Sanity.

This is a combination of active practices that I've put together over a decade of my intense entrepreneurial journey.

Business News

Remote Work Enthusiast Kevin O'Leary Does TV Appearance Wearing Suit Jacket, Tie and Pajama Bottoms

"Shark Tank" star Kevin O'Leary looks all business—until you see the wide view.

Business News

Are Apple Smart Glasses in the Works? Apple Is Eyeing Meta's Ran-Ban Success Story, According to a New Report.

Meta has sold more than 700,000 pairs of smart glasses, with demand even ahead of supply at one point.

Money & Finance

The 'Richest' U.S. City Probably Isn't Where You Think It Is

It's not located in New York or California.

Business News

Hybrid Workers Were Put to the Test Against Fully In-Office Employees — Here's Who Came Out On Top

Productivity barely changed whether employees were in the office or not. However, hybrid workers reported better job satisfaction than in-office workers.