Cox Communications, Inc., et al., Petitioners v. Sony Music Entertainment, et al.

The Supreme Court released a decision in a fight over whether an internet service provider can be liable for users' copyright infringement and treated as acting willfully when it knew about infringement and did not cut off access. The prompt does not provide the outcome details, vote, or full reasoning.

The Court issued its decision on March 25, 2026, but the prompt does not provide the vote or opinion lineup.

Majority

Thomas

Sotomayor

Jackson

Roberts

Alito

Kagan

Barrett

Kavanaugh

Gorsuch

This case matters to internet providers, music and movie companies, and subscribers accused of piracy. For example, it could affect how aggressively an ISP responds to repeat infringement notices and whether companies seek bigger damages.

Lower courts and the parties will now apply the Supreme Court's decision using the full opinion. Internet providers, copyright owners, and lawyers will review the opinion to adjust enforcement practices, damages arguments, and compliance policies.

The case asked whether an internet provider can be liable for copyright infringement based on knowing users were infringing and not terminating service. It also asked whether that conduct can count as willful.

It could change how internet providers handle repeat infringement notices and customer terminations. Copyright owners may also change how they pursue lawsuits and damages.

The parties and lower courts must now follow the Supreme Court's opinion in any further proceedings. Affected businesses will study the opinion and update their policies and litigation strategies.