When the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in Cox Communications v. Sony Music Entertainment, headlines predicted a seismic shift in copyright enforcement. But according to our Partner Courtney Lytle Sarnow, the Court did something far less dramatic—and far more significant.
In her Law360 Expert Analysis, “High Court’s Cox Ruling Leaves ISP Copyright Rules Intact,” Sarnow explains why the decision wasn’t a revolution at all. Instead, the Court reaffirmed decades-old copyright doctrine, rejected an expansive theory of secondary liability, and preserved the longstanding balance between copyright enforcement and internet access under the DMCA.
Her analysis, included in Law360’s “The Most Talked-About Supreme Court Decisions of 2026” roundup, walks through why the Court declined to create new liability for internet service providers, why the Fourth Circuit’s “knowledge rule” exceeded established precedent, and what the decision means for copyright owners, ISPs, media companies, and future litigation involving AI and emerging technologies.
Whether you advise technology companies, media clients, or businesses navigating digital copyright issues and have questions about the impact of this ruling, please connect directly with Courtney here: csarnow@cm.law.
CM Law (cm.law) – formerly Culhane Meadows – is the largest national, full-service, women-owned & managed (WBE) law firm in the United States. Designed to provide experienced attorneys with an optimal way to practice sophisticated law while maintaining a superior work/life balance, the firm offers fully remote work options, a transparent, merit and math-based compensation structure, and a collaborative culture. Serving a diverse clientele—from individuals and small businesses to over 40 Fortune-ranked companies—CM Law is committed to delivering exceptional legal services across a broad spectrum of industries.
The foregoing content is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Federal, state, and local laws can change rapidly and, therefore, this content may become obsolete or outdated. Please consult with an attorney of your choice to ensure you obtain the most current and accurate counsel about your particular situation.
