By MARK SHERMAN
Updated: 7:36 AM PDT, March 25, 2026
WASHINGTON (AP) — On Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of internet service provider Cox Communications in its copyright dispute with record labels regarding illegal music downloads by users.
The justices delivered a unanimous decision stating that Cox is not liable for the copyright infringements committed by its users, overturning previous jury and lower court decisions.
Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for the court, noted that “Cox neither induced its users’ infringement nor provided a service designed for infringement,” while recognizing the challenges record labels face in safeguarding their copyrights amidst online music sharing.
The lawsuit, initiated by Sony Music Entertainment, argued that Cox failed to take sufficient action against customers illegally downloading music.
Although the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld part of a jury verdict against Cox, it dismissed the over $1 billion judgment against the company.
Cox Communications serves more than 6 million households and businesses across numerous states. The company had warned that a ruling against it could lead to significant disruptions in service.
Cox raised concerns about potentially needing to cut off access for homes, hospitals, universities, and coffee shops due to a “few accusations of infringement.”
MARK SHERMAN
Sherman has reported on the Supreme Court for The Associated Press since 2006. With a journalism career spanning five decades, he is based in Washington, D.C., and has previously lived in New York, Paris, and Atlanta.
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