TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Apr 3, 2026

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last month that Cox Communications cannot be held liable for piracy committed by its internet service subscribers involving songs owned by Sony Music, Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group and other labels, ending a copyright lawsuit seeking more than $1 billion. According to Reuters, the unanimous 9-0 decision overturned a lower court ruling that had ordered a new trial to determine potential damages related to contributory copyright infringement. Cox had argued a retrial could have resulted in a judgment of up to $1.5 billion against the Atlanta-based internet service provider. The record labels alleged Cox failed to act on thousands of infringement notices, including by not terminating service for repeat offenders or taking other steps to deter piracy. Writing for the court, Justice Clarence Thomas said "Cox provided internet service to its subscribers, but it did not intend for that service to be used to commit copyright infringement.”