Internet service provider RCN now faces an additional multi-million dollar piracy lawsuit from indie film distributor Screen Media Ventures (SMV), adding to its ongoing legal battles with major music companies since 2016.

Under US copyright law, internet providers must terminate accounts of repeat copyright infringers in "appropriate circumstances," though these requirements remain unclear. Several providers, including Cox and Grande Communications, have already been ordered to pay millions in damages, with appeals pending.

SMV initially attempted to join an existing lawsuit against RCN but was denied due to concerns about case expansion. In response, SMV filed a separate lawsuit, arguing that joining the original case would have been more efficient for the court system.

Key points of SMV's lawsuit:

• Names 324 works affected by RCN's alleged negligence
• Potential damages could exceed $48.6 million
• Focuses on most frequently pirated works
• Requests injunction requiring RCN to:
  • Terminate accounts receiving more than three copyright infringement notices within 72 hours
  • Block access to known pirate sites identified by US Trade Representative

SMV maintains that online piracy significantly impacts their investment recovery through legitimate sales. While the case's outcome remains uncertain, it demonstrates that denying SMV's original request to join the existing lawsuit may not have achieved the intended efficiency goals.

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