U.S. copyright verdict overturned in favor of Cox Communications

A U.S. appeals court overturned a $1 billion jury verdict against Cox Communications, a cable television and Internet service provider, in a case brought by major record labels accusing it of not doing enough to stop user piracy. This decision paves the way for a new trial on the issue.

On Tuesday, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia ruled that the damages awarded were not justified and ordered a new trial to determine the appropriate amount.

In 2019, a Virginia jury held Cox Enterprises, the largest privately owned unit, responsible for its customers' copyright infringements involving over 10,000 labels, including Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and Universal Music Group.