Supreme Court Seen as Likely to Overturn Fourth Circuit’s Ruling in Cox v. Sony

But it’s not clear what new standard justices will lay out.

Jake Neenan

Dec 29, 2025 — 3 min read

Photo of Chief Justice John Roberts, front left, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, front right, and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, back left, by Shawn Thew/Pool via AP

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 2025 – The Supreme Court is likely to remand the Fourth Circuit decision finding Cox Communications partially liable for the copyright infringement of its subscribers, music industry officials predicted.

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But they’re not sure what new standard the court will lay out.

“The court is looking for a way out,” said Zvi Rosen, an associate law professor at University of New Hampshire. “They’re looking for a way that Cox doesn't get a get-out-of-jail-free card, but they’re also concerned, perhaps unduly, about breaking the internet.”