DESCRIPTION
Cox v. Sony Music: Refining Secondary (C) Liability Rules
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Program Info | Resources | Speaker Bio(s) & Contact Info
Don't miss this compelling expert webcast from the Berkeley Center for Law & Technology, featuring renowned copyright scholar Prof. Pam Samuelson of BCLT, UC Berkeley School of Law. In one of the most consequential copyright decisions in years, the Supreme Court unanimously reversed the Fourth Circuit's ruling in Cox v. Sony Music — and the implications are massive for secondary liability law. Professor Samuelson unpacks what the Court actually decided, why it matters, and how it will reshape the landscape of contributory infringement going forward. Whether you're new to copyright law or a seasoned practitioner, this is one discussion you can't afford to miss.
This program is ideal for: Attorneys, legal professionals, and students working in or curious about intellectual property, copyright, and technology law — as well as broadband providers, online platforms, and anyone navigating secondary liability issues.
Key takeaways:
- The Supreme Court eliminated the "material contribution with knowledge" standard for contributory copyright infringement, requiring proof of purposeful, culpable conduct — a major shift that will force courts to rethink existing secondary liability cases.
- Amicus briefs played a decisive role, with the Solicitor General, major tech platforms (Google, Amazon, Microsoft), and civil society groups like the EFF weighing in — and the Court's reasoning reflects their influence.
- The ruling has sweeping implications for ISPs, online platforms, and copyright owners alike, raising new questions about DMCA safe harbors, repeat infringer policies, and the balance between protecting rights holders and preserving public internet access.
Disclaimer: All views or opinions expressed by any presenter during the course of this CLE is that of the presenter alone and not an opinion of the Oklahoma Bar Association, the employers, or affiliates of the presenters unless specifically stated. Additionally, any materials, including the legal research, are the product of the individual contributor, not the Oklahoma Bar Association. The Oklahoma Bar Association makes no warranty, express or implied, relating to the accuracy or content of these materials.