Copyright Office Proposes Rules for Initiating Copyright Claims Board Proceedings

The U.S. Copyright Office has issued a proposed rule to establish procedures governing the initial stages of proceedings before the Copyright Claims Board (CCB). The proposed rule also establishes requirements regarding the directory for designated service agents. Initial public comments are due on October 29, 2021. Reply comments are due on November 15, 2021.

The Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement (CASE) Act of 2020 directs the Register of Copyrights to establish regulations for all stages of a proceeding before the CCB. The proposed rule includes procedures for the initial stages of the proceeding, including the following:

• Filing an initial claim,
• Compliance review by a copyright claims attorney,
• Service and waiver of service,
• CCB issuance of a second notice,
• Opting out, and
• Filing a response and any counterclaims.

The Copyright Office welcomes comments on the proposed procedures, which were developed in light of the statutory mandate to create an efficient and user-friendly forum for small copyright claims.

For additional information, please visit the Office’s website.