New clinic offering expands access to justice in copyright disputes

Case Western Reserve University School of Law will be adding a new dimension to the Intellectual Property Venture Clinic by partnering with the Copyright Claims Board (CCB) in the U.S. Copyright Office, the first U.S. small claims tribunal for copyright disputes.

Through the CCB’s Pro Bono Assistance Program, the law school’s clinic will provide legal support to individual creators, small businesses, startups and others navigating copyright disputes through the CCB’s virtual platform. These disputes, which can involve claims of up to $30,000, are resolved more affordably and efficiently than traditional federal litigation, making justice more accessible to those who need it most.

As part of this new initiative, clinic students will:

• Advise clients on copyright registration and enforcement strategy.
• Counsel parties on whether and how to pursue or respond to claims before the CCB, and in some cases, directly handle filings, conferences and hearings.
• Gain valuable experience in a cutting-edge area of copyright law that bridges access, innovation and impact.

This collaboration aligns with the clinic’s mission to deliver real-world learning while serving real-world needs, especially for underrepresented creators and entrepreneurs.