Record Labels’ Copyright Suits Against Verizon, Altice, Dismissed

The record industry’s long-running copyright infringement suits against internet service providers Verizon and Altice have been dismissed.

Quick catch-up:

• The case against Altice was spearheaded by Warner Music and Sony Music, and launched in 2023.

• The action against Verizon came in 2024, with Sony Music, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and ABKCO Music named as plaintiffs.

• Both suits targeted the ISPs’ alleged failure to prevent, and implicit contribution to, copyright infringement committed by thousands of their subscribers.

The Cox effect:

• In March, the US Supreme Court heard the similarly themed Cox Communications, Inc v. Sony Music Entertainment case.

• It unanimously ruled that ISPs can’t be held liable for their users’ copyright infringement, unless they actively induce the infringement or offer a service specifically tailored to it.

• In light of the ruling, the parties involved in the Verizon and Altice disputes jointly moved to dismiss “all claims... with prejudice,” as per Digital Music News.

• Each side will bear its own costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees.