"Small Claims" For Copyright Infringement Actions

On October 22, 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act, which would provide an alternative dispute resolution program for lower-value copyright infringement claims.

Currently, rightsholders to copyrighted materials must litigate their claims in federal court, which can be protracted and costly. The purpose of the Act is to provide a "forum for lower-value copyright disputes in which participation is voluntary for both claimants and respondents." In addition, the law is "intended to be accessible especially for pro se parties and those with little prior formal exposure to copyright laws who cannot otherwise afford to have their claims and defenses heard in federal court." Parties may appear pro se or be represented by an attorney or a law student on a pro bono basis.