Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. v. Grokster, Ltd. Decision Summary

In the Technology-Driven, File Sharing Era, Copyright Protection Remains Alive and Well As a Tool to Combat Active Inducements to Infringe On, June 27, 2005, the Supreme Court in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. v. Grokster, Ltd., breathed new life into copyright law’s ability to combat infringement over peer-to-peer networks. In a unanimous decision, the Court held that “one who distributes a device [here, peer-to-peer file sharing software] with the object of promoting its use to infringe copyright, as shown by clear expression or other affirmative steps taken to foster infringement, is liable for the resulting acts of infringement by third parties.” Slip Op. at 1. For further inquiries regarding the Grokster, decision, please contact Jonathan Hudis at jhudis@oblon.com or 703-413-3000.