Copyright Office Launches New Copyright Claims Board Website

Today, April 7, 2022, the U.S. Copyright Office launched ccb.gov, a website serving as a gateway to the first copyright small-claims tribunal in the United States, the Copyright Claims Board (CCB). The launch of ccb.gov is a major milestone toward the full opening of the CCB to creators and users of copyrighted materials later this spring.

The website is the new online home of the CCB and is focused on helping everyone understand the mission and the processes of the CCB. Once the CCB starts hearing claims later this spring, ccb.gov will become the primary location for information about filing and responding to claims, opting out of a proceeding, accessing the CCB’s Handbook, and contacting the CCB with questions.

The new website features clear, helpful information about the CCB, including what potential claimants and respondents need to know about CCB proceedings. The website will also host the CCB’s Designated Service Agent Directory, the list of libraries and archives that have preemptively opted out of CCB proceedings, and updates on the status of CCB-related rulemakings.

The CCB’s Designated Service Agent Directory is a public directory in which corporations, partnerships, and unincorporated business entities can designate an individual to receive service of the initial notices of all proceedings and claims asserted against them before the CCB. The directory is now accepting submissions and will be regularly updated. Please note that this directory is different from the existing section 512 designated agent directory under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

The CCB’s Libraries and Archives page will feature a public list of the libraries and archives that have preemptively opted out of CCB proceedings. A form for libraries and archives to preemptively opt out is now available on ccb.gov, and the list of libraries and archives, when compiled, will be regularly updated. A library’s or archives’ opt-out election also covers those entities’ employees acting within the scope of their employment.

Please bookmark ccb.gov for future reference.