A federal court has ordered Altice USA to disclose identities of up to 100 subscribers accused of copyright infringement by Warner Music Group (WMG) and Sony Music Entertainment (SME).

The court order requires Altice to:

• Notify affected subscribers of planned disclosure
• Allow 30 days for subscribers to object
• Provide names, telephone numbers, addresses, and email addresses of non-objecting customers
• Complete disclosure within 2 days after the objection period

The case stems from allegations involving nearly 11,000 allegedly infringed works. Key developments include:

• Previous settlement of a separate BMG infringement action
• Discovery disagreements over material transfer from BMG case
• Venue-transfer attempts and dismissal efforts by Altice
• Disputes over copyright registration numbers and work-for-hire agreements

While a trial is tentatively scheduled for September 2025, Altice stated in its 2024 earnings report that it plans to "vigorously defend against the claims" from WMG.

Meanwhile, Verizon faces similar copyright claims from all three major labels, with the company challenging contributory liability theories in November 2024.

This case follows a significant damages verdict against Cox Communications, highlighting the growing tension between ISPs and music industry rights holders.

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