Overview

• The Supreme Court granted review of Cox’s appeal on June 30 and declined the record labels’ bid for cross-review, with oral arguments scheduled for its October term
• In February 2024 the Fourth Circuit affirmed Cox’s contributory infringement liability but rejected vicarious liability and remanded the damages award for a new trial
• A 2019 jury in Alexandria, Virginia awarded more than $1 billion to music labels after finding Cox failed to stop users from illegally downloading over 10,000 copyrighted tracks
• Cox argues that the Fourth Circuit’s approach would force it to cut off internet access for entire households, businesses and institutions over single-user infringement notices
• Legal experts say the Supreme Court’s ruling will set critical precedent on ISP obligations under the DMCA safe-harbor framework and influence future online piracy enforcement