That 'simple' small claims court meant to help artists protect their work is so confusing that most cases just get thrown out.
The Copyright Claims Board was designed to be a low-cost, user-friendly alternative to federal court for independent creators. However, the data shows it has become a 'procedural mirage' where the vast majority of cases are dismissed for technical defects before a judge ever reviews the merits.
Small Claims, Big Problems: A Critical Look at the Copyright “Small Claims Court”
SSRN · 6304562
<span>The newly created Copyright Claims Board (CCB), was designed to provide a streamlined and low-cost alternative to federal litigation for small copyright claims. However</span><span>, the CCB process may be more mirage than miracle for many rights owners. Drawing on original empirical research, this paper critically investigates the first operational years of the CCB. The data reveals that while the forum is dominated by individual and small business claimants such as photographers and des