Copyright Small Claims Tribunal Opens Its Doors

The newly-established Copyright Claims Board (the “CCB”) will begin accepting claims on June 16, 2022, according to the Copyright Office.  The CCB arose out of the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020 (or the “CASE Act”), which Congress passed in 2020.  It is the first-ever copyright small claims forum, intended to provide an accessible and efficient alternative for resolving copyright disputes involving claims up to $30,000.

Here are some facts about the CCB:

• The CCB is a voluntary option – both parties must agree to participate.  If a respondent opts out of a CCB proceeding, the claimant may bring the same claim against the respondent in federal court.

• Claims will be resolved by a panel of copyright experts as opposed to a jury or a federal judge.

• Proceedings will be handled completely electronically and remotely.

• You do not need an attorney to file or respond to a claim before the CCB.

More information about the CCB can be found here.