Story perspectives

Supreme Court Reconsiders ISP Liability in Copyright Case

4/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Supreme Court instructed the Fifth Circuit to reconsider Grande Communications Networks LLC's copyright liability case.
In a 7-2 decision, the Court held ISPs are liable for user infringement only if they intend the service to be used for it.
The ruling cites Cox v. Sony, clarifying that ISPs must take steps to prevent infringement.
Grande's appeal followed a Fifth Circuit decision upholding liability and the $47 million damages award was dismissed.

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Story summary

The Supreme Court instructed the Fifth Circuit to reconsider Grande Communications Networks LLC's copyright liability case.
In a 7-2 decision, the Court held ISPs are liable for user infringement only if they intend the service to be used for it.
The ruling cites Cox v. Sony, clarifying that ISPs must take steps to prevent infringement.
Grande's appeal followed a Fifth Circuit decision upholding liability and the $47 million damages award was dismissed.