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

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

SMV initially attempted to join an existing lawsuit against RCN but was denied due to concerns about broadening the case with their 324 copyrighted works. 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 the lawsuit:

• Names 324 works affected by RCN's alleged negligence
• Potential damages could exceed $48.6 million
• SMV plans to focus on the most frequently pirated works
• Requests injunction requiring RCN to:
  • Terminate accounts receiving 3+ copyright notices within 72 hours
  • Block access to known piracy sites identified by US Trade Representative

The case highlights ongoing tensions between content providers and internet service providers over piracy management and accountability for copyright infringement.

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