Overview
The Copyright Claims Board (CCB), a forum for copyright claimants to seek damages up to $30,000, opened its doors last June. The CCB hears three types of copyright cases: (1) copyright infringement, (2) declarations of non-infringement, and (3) claims of misrepresentation regarding notices submitted under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
As of December, 281 claims had been filed. Most claims relate to the alleged infringement of pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works, but there are also claims for literary works, sound recordings, motion pictures, and audiovisual works. The CCB aims to provide an affordable and accessible option for individuals and small businesses asserting copyright claims, and so far, nearly 66% of claims have been filed without a lawyer. However, approximately 80% of claims have been dismissed for failure to comply with procedures and deadlines, highlighting the steep learning curve for claimants and the need for more education about the system for it to run smoothly and reach its full potential.
