Verizon and Google Seek to Pause Copyright Infringement Litigation

Verizon and Google have made separate applications to have their respective copyright infringement cases put on hold, arguing that the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Cox Communications litigation could have ramifications for their cases.

Some context:

• In 2019 Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment sued Cox Communications over its subscribers’ alleged repeat copyright infringements.

• Though the labels were initially victorious, last month the Supreme Court agreed to review the case.

• The result could have major ramifications for similar lawsuits.

Verizon’s argument:

• The major labels sued Verizon in July 2024 over its subscribers’ alleged copyright infringements.

• As per Digital Music News (DMN), in their recently submitted letter to the court Verizon argue, “The Cox petition presents the same issue as Verizon’s pending motion to dismiss: whether an internet service provider (ISP) can be contributorily liable when others allegedly use its internet service to commit copyright infringement.”

• Arguing that the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Cox case “will control this Court’s decision,” Verizon has requested a stay in proceedings.

• The labels oppose the motion.

• A ruling in the Cox case isn’t expected until midway through 2026.

Google’s argument:

• Google is being sued by text publishers such as Cengage and Macmillan, which allege it didn’t do enough to prevent piracy, and even profited from it.

• Though the publishers’ vicarious liability claim was dismissed, the claim for contributory infringement is ongoing.

• Google is requesting a stay in that litigation until the Supreme Court’s Cox ruling, arguing it could have an impact on its lawsuit, and potentially determine the outcome.