Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020
The Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020, also known as the CASE Act, created the Copyright Claims Board (CCB). The CCB is a three-member tribunal within the U.S. Copyright Office that provides a more cost-effective and streamlined alternative to federal court for certain copyright claims up to $30,000. For more information, visit Copyright Small Claims and the Copyright Claims Board.
Music Modernization Act
The Music Modernization Act established a blanket license for interactive music streaming and digital download services to distribute the musical compositions contained on sound recordings. For more information, visit the U.S. Copyright Office’s Music Modernization Act webpage.
Protecting Lawful Streaming Act of 2020
The Protecting Lawful Streaming Act of 2020, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (Public Law no. 116-260), was signed into law December 27, 2020. It significantly increases criminal penalties for people who, willfully and for commercial advantage or private financial gain, illegally stream copyrighted material. Previously, illegal streaming was treated as a misdemeanor. Under the new law, the U.S. Department of Justice can bring felony charges against providers (as opposed to users) of such illegal services. For more information, visit the USPTO’s Protecting Lawful Streaming Act of 2020 webpage.