Copyright lawsuits are expensive federal court litigations. Now, the Copyright Claims Board — CCB — is an alternative for disputes up to $30,000.
What is the CCB?
Basically, the Copyright Claims Board is small claims court for intellectual property issues under $30,000. It is a much easier and cost-effective way to resolve copyright disputes. Historically, copyright disputes are federal court actions. This is a time and dollar intensive process. Until the creation of the CCB, there was no alternative for relief in copyright violations. An infringement case usually starts at $250,000.
Who can use CCB?
CCB is for creators. Photography, music, writing, graphic design and other intellectual property owners can benefit when a controversy about copyright happens. The CCB is the place for you when your work is used without permission.
CCB is not a court
The Copyright Claims Board is voluntary. You can’t force someone to participate nor can anyone force you to. CCB participants are claimants or respondents.
Claimants file with the CCB. Respondents answer the filing. Claimants can use CCB or a file in a federal court. Respondents can choose to either participate in the CCB or opt-out.
CCB is lots cheaper
Using the Copyright Claims Board costs a whole lot less money and is much simpler than a federal copyright action. You do not need a lawyer in a CCB proceeding. The entire process happens online.
CCB claim requirements
You must have a valid copyright registration or have filed for one for the works involved in your claim. If you need to file a Copyright Claims Board claim, you can pay a fee to speed up your copyright registration.
More about CCB
Information about filing or responding to a CCB claim, the fees and more are in the CCB Handbook.