The Copyright Claims Board (CCB) is a tribunal within the Copyright Office that resolves small claim (involving up to $30,000) copyright disputes. The CCB was established as a result of Congress passing the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020 (CASE Act).
CCB disputes occur between a claimant (the rights owner) and a respondent (those who receive a notice of alleged infringement). Participation is optional and proceedings take place remotely. Damages are capped at $15,000 per work and $30,000 per case. Legal counsel is not required for either party.
If a claim is made against you, the claimant must deliver service of initial notice in person, leave it with someone over 18 living at your address, send it to your address through postal mail, or deliver it to your agent. Email is not a valid service of first notice. Initial notice should include:
A second notice may be sent by the CCB as a reminder. This notice may arrive via email if the CCB has your address. It should repeat all of the information from the initial notice.
If you receive a CCB claim you have 60 days to respond. If you do not opt out, the proceeding becomes “active”. The CCB will issue you a Scheduling Order with next steps and a timeline of dates.
Be aware that opting out of a CCB proceeding does not put an end to the dispute and does not affect the legal rights of either party.
More information can be found on the CCB Website.
Nothing in this guide or the linked resources is intended to provide legal advice.
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