Common Sense Copyright Coalition Urges Supreme Court to Reverse Dangerous Copyright Ruling in Cox v. Sony

September 5, 2025

Washington, D.C. (September 5, 2025) - Today, The Common Sense Copyright Coalition, convened by USTelecom - The Broadband Association, filed an amicus brief in Cox v. Sony urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a lower court decision that threatens to undermine decades of progress in connecting Americans to the internet.

The Coalition, joined by six additional national trade associations representing hundreds of internet providers and internet infrastructure companies, warned that the Fourth Circuit's ruling imposes an unprecedented, unworkable, and costly theory of copyright liability that threatens to undermine the essential infrastructure of the modern economy.

"If allowed to stand, this ruling could undo decades of bipartisan work to expand reliable, high-speed internet access," said Josh Bercu, Senior Vice President of Policy at USTelecom, who is leading the Common Sense Copyright Coalition. "Congress never intended internet providers to serve as internet police, and we urge the Court to restore balance, protect consumers, and safeguard America's connected future."

The brief emphasizes that the ruling leaves internet providers facing massive potential liability unless they terminate subscriber accounts based on nothing more than a barebones allegation of infringement tied to an IP address. This approach is unworkable and harmful, and a single complaint could result in the disconnection of schools, hospitals, or thousands of innocent users who share the same IP address.

The Coalition was joined by the following communications groups on the amicus brief:

• ACA Connects - America's Communications Association
• CTIA - THE WIRELESS ASSOCIATION
• Internet Infrastructure Coalition
• NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association
• USTelecom - The Broadband Association
• WTA - Advocates for Rural Broadband

Learn more about the copyright coalition