House Passes Bill to Create Copyright Small Claims Court (1)

The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would establish a small claims court in the Copyright Office.

The bill (HR 2426), which the House passed on a 410-6 vote, would create a three-judge panel called the Copyright Claims Board that would hear cases where parties could represent themselves remotely, saving travel expenses.

Accused infringers could retain their right to a jury trial by opting out of the administrative proceedings within 60 days of receiving notice from the Copyright Office. Awards would be capped and largely unappealable.

The Copyright Office, the American Bar Association, the American Intellectual Property ...