Today, April 7, 2022, the U.S. Copyright Office launched ccb.gov,
a website serving as a gateway to the first copyright small-claims
tribunal in the United States, the Copyright Claims Board (CCB). The
launch of ccb.gov is a major milestone toward the full opening of the
CCB to creators and users of copyrighted materials later this spring.
The
website is the new online home of the CCB and is focused on helping
everyone understand the mission and the processes of the CCB. Once the
CCB starts hearing claims later this spring, ccb.gov will become the
primary location for information about filing and responding to claims,
opting out of a proceeding, accessing the CCB’s Handbook, and contacting
the CCB with questions.
The
new website features clear, helpful information about the CCB,
including what potential claimants and respondents need to know about
CCB proceedings. The website will also host the CCB’s Designated Service Agent Directory,
the list of libraries and archives that have preemptively opted out of
CCB proceedings, and updates on the status of CCB-related rulemakings.
The
CCB’s Designated Service Agent Directory is a public directory in which
corporations, partnerships, and unincorporated business entities can
designate an individual to receive service of the initial notices of all
proceedings and claims asserted against them before the CCB. The
directory is now accepting submissions and will be regularly updated.
Please note that this directory is different from the existing section
512 designated agent directory under the Digital Millennium Copyright
Act (DMCA).
The CCB’s Libraries and Archives page will
feature a public list of the libraries and archives that have
preemptively opted out of CCB proceedings. A form for libraries and
archives to preemptively opt out is now available on ccb.gov, and the
list of libraries and archives, when compiled, will be regularly
updated. A library’s or archives’ opt-out election also covers those
entities’ employees acting within the scope of their employment.
Please bookmark ccb.gov for future reference.
