Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CCB?
The Copyright Claims Board is a simpler and more affordable way to handle small copyright disputes without going to court. You can use it voluntarily instead of filing a lawsuit in federal court.
Do I have to go to Washington, DC?
Nope! Everything is done online, so you don’t need to travel.
Who decides these cases?
A panel of three copyright experts reviews each case. They work at the Copyright Office and have a lot of experience with copyright law.
Can I choose not to participate?
Yes. Since it’s voluntary, you can opt out. But if you do, the person suing you might take the case to federal court.
What is a "small claim"?
It’s a copyright dispute for $30,000 or less. That’s the limit for cases filed with the CCB.
Where can I file a claim?
You can file through the CCB’s online system called eCCB.
Is there a time limit?
Yes. You must file within three years of the issue happening.
What kind of cases can the CCB handle?
They handle copyright infringement, misrepresentation during takedown notices, and requests for legal confirmation that someone is not infringing.
Can they reject my claim?
Yes. If you miss deadlines, don’t serve the other party properly, or the other person opts out, your claim might not move forward.
Do I need to register my work?
You need to at least have applied for copyright registration before or when you file your claim.
Can I speed up registration?
Yes. You can ask for a fast-track process if your claim is already filed.
What can the CCB award?
They can award money, but no court orders like stopping someone’s actions. The limit is $30,000 total.
Can I get attorneys’ fees?
Only if the other party acts in bad faith. Even then, there's a limit to how much you can receive.
Is there a process for really small claims?
Yes. If your claim is for $5,000 or less, there’s a faster and simpler option with one officer deciding the case.
Do I need a lawyer?
No. The CCB is designed to be easy to use without legal training. But you can have a lawyer if you want.
How do I know if I’ve been sued?
You’ll get two notices — one from the person making the claim and one from the CCB.
What’s “service of process”?
It’s the official way of telling someone there’s a claim against them, usually by delivering the documents directly or by mail.
Can I ignore a claim?
It’s not a good idea. If you don’t respond, the CCB might rule against you by default.
How much discovery is allowed?
Only a small amount. Just enough to make sure both sides can present their case without things getting too complicated.
What if someone stops pursuing their claim?
If they don’t follow through or miss deadlines, their case can be dismissed.
Can I appeal a decision?
Yes, but the options are more limited than in federal court. You can ask for a review or challenge it if certain errors occurred.
How does the CCB prevent abuse?
Bad actors can be fined, banned for a year, or have their claims dismissed.
What if someone doesn’t pay damages?
The winning party can ask a federal court to enforce the CCB’s order and make them pay.