Dori Hanswirth Comments on Supreme Court Review of Internet Provider Copyright Liability in Managing IP

Dori Hanswirth, Intellectual Property partner and co-lead of the firm’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications industry group, was recently quoted in the Managing IP article, “‘A lot at stake’: counsel predict Cox victory in SCOTUS dispute.” The piece analyzes the possible outcomes and implications of Cox Communications v. Sony Music, a case before the U.S. Supreme Court examining the scope of liability for internet service providers (ISPs) in copyright infringement cases.

Hanswirth noted that while it is difficult to predict how the justices will rule, the Court’s decision to hear Cox’s petition — but not Sony’s — may indicate which legal questions it found more compelling. She also cautioned that a ruling against Cox could “significantly extend the scope of liability for ISPs.”

"It could chill what we’ve embraced as an open internet, especially for smaller providers who don’t have enough resources to police the behavior,” she said. “So, I think the court is going to put a modern-day lens on these legal theories and make a ruling that will stand up to the ages.”

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