ASKED
I heard that Congress is considering legislation that will allow a Small Claims Board for small infringement claims, is that true?
ANSWERED
This is true! The US Congress has taken up consideration of legislation that will basically create a Small Claims Board for smaller claims. In October 2019, the House of Representatives passed a bill, Copyright Small Claims Enforcement Act (CASE), that would “establish an alternative dispute resolution program for copyright small claims.” It, now, will be taken up in the Senate. If the Senate passes it, then it will go to the President for him to sign it into law.
Basically, if adopted, the law would create a small claims court that is part of the Copyright Office. The Claims Board would hear claims that range from $5000 to $15,000. This has important implications as we all potentially infringe if we resend emails, post memes or repost videos or photos.
Although this could be good news for some who create a lot of works at fast rates, it could be really cumbersome for those who are not familiar with the copyright laws. Even more of a reason to protect your works if you are creating and create your own content if you are posting.
Remember the only question that goes unanswered is the one that never gets asked!
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