The fight over whether an internet service provider is liable for subscribers’ copyright infringement on its platform continues. On June 30, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments in Cox Communications, Inc. v. Sony Music Entertainment. This landmark case is being carefully watched, as it will answer the question of ISP liability for subscriber piracy. The court’s decision will affect how ISP copyright infringement cases are handled in the future.
Cox Warns of Fallout from Copyright Infringement Liability
In an August Supreme Court filing, Cox argued that holding ISPs liable for customer copyright infringement could force “millions of users” offline. The case stems from a 2018 lawsuit by Sony, Universal, and Warner Music against Cox. They alleged that the ISP failed to disconnect subscribers accused of illegal downloads. The decision resulted in a $1 billion jury penalty.
Broad Liability Concerns
Cox warns the Fourth Circuit’s ruling would make ISPs liable for all online misconduct, forcing them to become “internet police.” The company argues this could lead to cutting off entire households, businesses, hotels, and military barracks based solely on accusations.
Limited ISP Control Argument
Serving 6 million customers across 18 states, Cox contends only 1% face infringement accusations. The company argues it cannot and shouldn’t monitor real-time customer activity. It states that it merely provides “communications infrastructure to the general public on uniform terms” without engaging in acts purposefully furthering infringement.
Verizon Wants Its Copyright Infringement Suit Paused
Back in July, Verizon requested a pause in the proceedings ahead of the Supreme Court Cox decision. Its ruling could set a precedent and have a lasting impact on similar ISP versus label infringement litigation. Verizon was one of the latest ISPs to be sued by the record labels. It’ll be some time yet until the highest court weighs in on whether ISPs are responsible for their subscribers’ actions. Oral argument is not expected to begin until December of this year, with a ruling expected by June 30, 2026.
This has been a long-running battle between the major labels and Cox. In 2019, a court found that Cox was liable for their subscribers’ alleged massive copyright infringement of protected music. Cox has continued to contest this ruling.
Record Labels Fire Back on Pausing Lawsuit
Major record labels are opposing Verizon’s request to pause their copyright infringement lawsuit pending the Supreme Court’s Cox v. Sony decision. The labels argue Verizon is attempting to delay proceedings in a case that’s “already one year old and has not left the gate.”
The lawsuit centers on allegations that Verizon failed to adequately address customer copyright violations. Labels contend that regardless of the Supreme Court’s ruling, Verizon will still face liability issues and extensive discovery regarding its repeat infringer policies and DMCA compliance procedures.
The labels maintain that discovery should proceed immediately since the Cox ruling won’t arrive until June 2026, and fact-gathering will likely extend beyond that timeframe anyway. The judge has not yet ruled on Verizon’s stay request.
Google Joins Verizon in Trying to Pause Infringement Litigation
Not to be outdone, Google is requesting a pause in litigation brought by major textbook publishers (Cengage, Macmillan, Elsevier, McGraw Hill) who accused the tech company of enabling and profiting from textbook piracy through its advertising platform. The publishers alleged Google Shopping displayed unauthorized textbook images that directed users to pirated copies.
Google Must Still Answer Contributory Infringement Allegations
While Google successfully defeated vicarious liability claims—arguing it lacked control over third-party sites where infringement occurred—contributory infringement allegations remain pending. Google now seeks to halt proceedings until the Supreme Court rules on Cox v. Sony.
Cox Lawsuit Decision Will Impact Google’s Case
Google contends the Cox decision will significantly impact its case, as both involve contributory infringement standards and willful violation damages. The Supreme Court will review whether Cox Communications can be held liable for customers’ copyright violations, potentially establishing precedents that could determine Google’s litigation outcome.
Industry-Wide Impact
The Supreme Court case could affect other ISPs facing similar lawsuits, including Charter Communications and Astound Broadband, while Frontier Communications recently settled with record companies to avoid comparable damages.
Music Business Worldwide – Mandy Dalugdug – September 1, 2025
MSN (Digital Music News) – Dylan Smith – July 24, 2025