by Julie C. Hancock

The U.S. Copyright Office announced last week it has officially launched its website to the Copyright Claims Board - the small claim tribunal that will be available for copyright owners to pursue smaller infringement claims without the expense associated with suing an infringer in federal court. The CCB, as it will be known in short form, will be rolling out various procedures and regulations leading up to the launch later this spring.

As part of the launch, Your Virtual Advocate will be launching new services to provide services related to the CCB proceedings. These services will include case evaluation - to ensure you have a proper claim before you file and can get advice on how to approach your claim when you do file, legal advice and drafting assistance for pro se claimants and defendants (these are those who choose to represent themselves) and full service legal representation.

If you are considering filing a claim and want to have an evaluation done in preparing for the launch, please visit our Appointments & Services page.

To find out more about the Copyright Claims Board, who it helps and what you will need to do to file a claim, please visit the website at www.ccb.gov.