Internet service provider RCN faces a new multi-million dollar piracy lawsuit from indie film distributor Screen Media Ventures (SMV), adding to their ongoing legal battles with major music companies and BMG 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.

The new lawsuit identifies 324 works allegedly affected by RCN's failure to address piracy through account termination of repeat offenders. Potential damages could exceed $48.6 million, though SMV indicates they will likely focus on the most frequently pirated works.

Key points of SMV's lawsuit:

• Requests termination of accounts receiving more than three copyright infringement notices within 72 hours
• Seeks injunction requiring RCN to block access to known pirate sites
• Claims significant financial losses due to online piracy intercepting potential sales

The case demonstrates ongoing tensions between content creators and internet service providers over piracy prevention responsibilities and appropriate enforcement measures.

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