Index

Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement (CASE) Act

Summary

Established a voluntary small-claims board within the U.S. Copyright Office to resolve copyright disputes without the high cost of federal court.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    Individual creators can sue for copyright infringement for up to $30,000 in total damages.
  • 02.
    Participants can resolve disputes through an online process without needing to travel or hire expensive attorneys.
  • 03.
    A defendant has the right to 'opt-out' of the small-claims proceeding, forcing the plaintiff to go to federal court instead.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Statutory damages capped at $15,000 per work and $30,000 per claim.
  • 02.
    Board determinations are binding unless appealed to federal court on very limited grounds.
  • 03.
    Attorney fees may be awarded up to $5,000 if a party acts in bad faith.

Verified Citations

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