Supreme Court Rules Against Labels in $1 Billion Music Piracy Case
Variety • • business
Key Points:
- The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Cox Communications cannot be held liable for music piracy committed by its users, overturning a $1 billion damages award from a previous lawsuit filed by major music labels.
- The Court clarified that providing internet service alone, even with knowledge of some users' copyright infringement, does not constitute contributory copyright infringement under existing legal precedents.
- Cox Communications hailed the ruling as a victory for the broadband industry and internet users, emphasizing that ISPs should not be responsible for policing copyright violations by their customers.
- The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) expressed disappointment, stressing the importance of copyright law in protecting creators and markets, and noted the decision's narrow application to cases like Cox’s.
- The major labels involved—Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music—have not yet commented on the Supreme Court’s decision.
