Copyright Office Proposes Ways to Opt Out of Small Claims Board

The U.S. Copyright Office proposed the first set of procedures in setting up its small claims tribunal, including a framework for how defendants can opt out of the proceedings, according to an upcoming Federal Register notice.

Congress created the Copyright Claims Board as a low-cost alternative to federal court for copyright disputes. The proposed processes are a key step in creating the board. Legislation mandates it must be in place by December, though the deadline could be pushed to early next year.

The office laid out the steps for how individuals will file claims, including proposed rules for filing fees, ...