Copyrights FAQ

Copyright Notice

If you have received a written warning regarding copyright infringement, you must do the following:

• Read all materials that come with the warning letter.
• Follow all instructions outlined in the warning letter.
• Follow-up with ResComp before the due date specified in the warning letter.

Failure to comply with the above steps will result in loss of your network privileges.

Copyright Questions

I thought copyright only applied to my music files?

Copyright laws apply to all forms of media. Types of media include, but are not limited to music, books, movies, software, and artwork.

How do I know if something is copyrighted?

Look for the © sign on the media, or media documentation. As a rule of thumb, if you can purchase it in a store, chances are that the media in question is copyrighted.

Is it okay to download files, if I am not sharing them?

Unless you are downloading a piece of media that you have purchased from a legitimate online store (such as iTunes), then it is not okay to download that piece of media.

While most of the recent copyright cases that have appeared in the news have involved the sharing of media files, it is still not okay to download them if you do not own the source materials. Downloading a piece of copyrighted media is no different than walking into a store and stealing it.

Is it okay to download a file, if I own the source media (e.g., a single track, if I own the entire CD)?

It is okay for you to have an electronic copy of most media (it can vary depending on the specifics of a given User Agreement). However, if you own the source media, and you download the file from an illegal source, it does not necessarily make the download legal.

What happens when I get a Copyright Notice?

On a first offense, you will receive a written warning. Any further violations of the Acceptable Use Policy (even if they do not involve copyright) will result in loss of network privileges.

On a second offense, your network privileges will be revoked. You will meet with a ResComp network administrator and the Dean of Students. Loss of network privileges at this point can range from a month to a semester, or longer.

On a third offense, sanctions may include eviction from the residence halls and/or suspension from the University. The final decision will be made on a case-by-case basis by your hearing officer and the Dean of Students Office.

What if the materials that are listed in the complaint are on my computer, but I wasn't the person who downloaded them?

You are ultimately responsible for your computer and how it is used, as well as who uses it. Unless the person who downloaded the music onto your computer comes forward and takes responsibility, you will be held fully accountable. In the event someone comes forward and takes responsibility, you will still be held accountable for allowing your computer to be used in this manner.

How long does this notice stay in my student record?

All copyright complaints get forwarded to the Dean of Students office. It is part of your student record and stays on file until you graduate. If you are documented during your freshman year, and then again during your junior year; the offense in your junior year will be treated as your second offense.

What if I get caught a second time, but I don't live in the residence halls?

Since all copyright cases are sent to the Dean of Student's Office, it does not matter if you live on campus or off campus. The only difference is that you will not have to meet with a ResComp network administrator.

Does getting documented for copyright infringement mean that I will get sued?

Not necessarily. The owner of the copyright has the choice to file a formal complaint with the internet service provider (ISP) of the person illegally sharing access to their media, or to file a formal lawsuit in a court of law. The owner of the copyright is also free to take both courses of action.