The ink on this agreement was barely dry when the ISP faced a similar and additional complaint. This time it was up against 53 music companies, including Capitol Records, Warner Bros, and Sony Music.<\/p>\n
The rightsholders complained that Cox categorically failed to terminate repeat copyright infringers and that it substantially profited from this ongoing \u2018piracy\u2019 activity. All at the expense of the record labels and other rightsholders.<\/p>\n
Early this month the case went to trial where the parties vigorously defended their positions. The music companies argued that Cox willingly turned a blind eye to pirates, while Cox countered that it\u2019s not to blame for the alleged infringements of subscribers.<\/p>\n
A few hours ago the jury reached its final conclusion at the Virginia federal court, clearly siding with the music companies.<\/p>\n
Cox was found to be both contributorily and vicariously liable for the alleged pirating activity of its subscribers. This applies to all the 10,017 copyrighted works the music companies claim were infringed.<\/p>\n
In addition, the jury concluded that Cox\u2019s action was \u201cwillful.\u201d This allows for a maximum damages amount of $150,000 per work but the jury agreed on $99,830, which puts the total damages amount at $1 billion.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/torrentfreak.com\/images\/billion.jpg\")
<\/center>The RIAA, which helped many of its members with this case, is pleased with the outcome. The music industry group hopes that it will motivate other ISPs to change their anti-piracy policies.<\/p>\n\u201cThe jury\u2019s verdict sends a clear message \u2013 Cox and other ISPs that fail to meet their legal obligations to address piracy on their networks will be held accountable,\u201d RIAA\u2019s Kenneth Doroshow\u00a0notes<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThe jury recognized these companies\u2019 legal obligation to take meaningful steps to protect music online and made a strong statement about the value of a healthy music ecosystem for everyone \u2013 ranging from creators to fans to the available outlets for legitimate music consumption.\u201d<\/p>\n Cox Communications is disappointed with the verdict. The company calls the damages amount \u201cunjust and excessive\u201d and is set to appeal.<\/p>\n \u201cWe plan to appeal the case and vigorously defend ourselves. We provide customers with a powerful tool that connects to a world full of content and information,\u201d Cox said in a statement.<\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately, some customers have chosen to use that connection for wrongful activity. We don\u2019t condone it, we educate on it and we do our best to help curb it, but we shouldn\u2019t be held responsible for the bad actions of others,\u201d Cox adds.<\/p>\n This means that the legal battle is likely to continue. And as\u00a0noted<\/a>\u00a0by Variety, the present verdict isn\u2019t final yet until all post-trial motions have been dealt with.<\/p>\n The $1 billion in damages the jury awarded is substantially higher than that of the earlier case against BMG. At the time, the jury awarded\u00a0$25 million<\/a>, based on 1,397 copyrighted works. This figure was later\u00a0reduced in a settlement<\/a>.<\/p>\n Source: \u00a0![\"TorrentFreak\"](\"http:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/torrentfreak.png\")
<\/a> TorrentFreak.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"