Copyright Claims Board vs Federal Court

The Copyright Claims Board (CCB) and federal court are the two main venues for enforcing music copyrights. Neither is universally better — it depends on the size of the matter, the strength of the evidence, whether the respondent will engage, and how much cost and time you're prepared to invest.

At a glance

• Damages cap: CCB capped at $30,000 total. Federal court has no cap.
• Filing fees: CCB is $100 total. Federal court filing is roughly $405, plus service.
• Attorney requirement: Neither requires an attorney, but federal litigation is very hard to handle pro se.
• Opt-out: CCB respondents can opt out. Federal defendants cannot.
• Timeline: CCB matters often resolve in a year or less. Federal cases can take several years.
• Statutory damages: Available in both venues for registered works.
• Injunctive relief: Federal court can issue injunctions. CCB cannot.

When the CCB is a good fit

• Smaller commercial uses (individual posts, single-campaign infringement).
• You can't (or don't want to) invest in federal litigation costs.
• You believe the respondent will engage rather than opt out.

When federal court is a better fit

• Damages likely exceed $30,000.
• You need an injunction to stop ongoing infringement.
• The respondent is likely to opt out of the CCB.
• The matter involves multiple works or willful, systematic infringement.