News
November 3, 2022 | Press Statements
Jury Finds Grande Communications Liable for Willful Infringement of 1400 Copyrighted Music Recordings
Awards $47 Million in Damages to Rightsholders
AUSTIN, TX (November 3, 2022) – An Austin federal jury today found Grande Communications liable for willful infringement of 1,403 copyrighted sound recordings and ordered the internet provider to pay $46,766,200 in damages to a group of record label plaintiffs.
Federal law does not allow internet providers to be willfully blind to online piracy on their networks. In this case, the jury found that internet provider Grande Communications failed to meet its legal obligations and was liable for willful copyright infringement.
The decision follows several other high-profile cases and settlements addressing repeat infringement on internet provider networks including Cox Communications and Bright House Networks/Charter.
RIAA’s Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier released the following statement in response:
“This is the latest validation by US courts and juries that unchecked online infringement will not stand. The jury’s strong action here sends an important message to Internet Service Providers. Artists, songwriters, rightsholders, fans and legitimate services all depend upon a healthy digital music ecosystem that effectively protects creative works online.”