Internet service provider (ISP) Grande Communications recently lost a $47 million piracy liability verdict in a case involving copyright infringement. The lawsuit was brought by adult entertainment company, Malibu Media, who alleged that Grande had failed to take action against customers who were illegally downloading copyrighted material. <\/p>\n
The case was heard in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. The jury found that Grande had failed to take reasonable steps to prevent copyright infringement on its network, and awarded Malibu Media $47 million in damages. <\/p>\n
Grande has since filed a motion for judicial overrule, arguing that the jury\u2019s verdict was not supported by the evidence presented in the case. Grande claims that it had implemented a policy to terminate the accounts of customers who were found to be engaging in illegal downloading. The company also argued that it had taken reasonable steps to prevent copyright infringement on its network, such as sending out warnings to customers who were found to be engaging in illegal downloading. <\/p>\n
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for ISPs across the country. If Grande is successful in its motion for judicial overrule, it could set a precedent that would limit the amount of liability ISPs face for copyright infringement on their networks. On the other hand, if Grande\u2019s motion is denied, ISPs could be held liable for large sums of money if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent copyright infringement on their networks. <\/p>\n
It remains to be seen how this case will ultimately be resolved, but it is clear that the outcome could have a significant impact on the way ISPs operate in the future. Regardless of the outcome, ISPs should take this case as a warning that they need to take steps to prevent copyright infringement on their networks or risk facing large damages awards.<\/p>\n