Cox Communications Seeks Supreme Court Review in Piracy Case
Landmark Case Questions Internet Service Provider Liability
Cox Accused of Ignoring Copyright Infringement Notices
Cox Communications and several major record labels are poised for a showdown at the highest court in the United States. Cox has filed a petition with the US Supreme Court, asking it to review a decision that held it liable for piracy to the tune of 1 billion in damages. The case has far-reaching implications for internet service providers and copyright law.
The underlying case began when major record labels accused Cox of failing to address over 10,000 copyright infringement notices and failing to take action against music pirates. A jury sided with the labels and ordered Cox to pay 1 billion in damages for alleged vicarious and contributory copyright infringement.
Cox appealed the decision, and an appeals court overturned the jury's verdict in 2019. However, the record labels appealed to the Supreme Court, which has now agreed to review the case.
Cox's petition argues that the appeals court erred in its decision and that it is not liable for the copyright infringements of its users. The company maintains that it has a policy of responding to copyright infringement notices and that it takes reasonable steps to prevent piracy.
The record labels, on the other hand, argue that Cox is responsible for the actions of its users and that it should have done more to prevent piracy. They contend that the appeals court's decision was correct and that Cox should be held liable for the damages.
The Supreme Court's decision will have major implications for the internet service provider industry. If the justices side with the record labels, it could make it more difficult for ISPs to avoid liability for piracy. This could lead to increased litigation and higher costs for ISPs.
The Supreme Court's decision is expected to be issued by the end of the year.
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