Copyright, Illegal File Sharing, and Peer-to-Peer Activity
Students must comply with copyright law, software and database licenses, library-resource terms, course-material restrictions, and the intellectual-property rights of others. Unauthorized downloading, uploading, copying, streaming, sharing, reproduction, or distribution of copyrighted material is prohibited. This includes unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing and using University technology to make copyrighted material available to others without permission or other lawful authority.
Violations may result in loss of technology or network privileges, University disciplinary action, and civil or criminal liability. Under federal law, civil statutory damages generally range from $750 to $30,000 for each work infringed and may reach $150,000 for each work when infringement is willful. Criminal penalties may include fines and imprisonment. Federal law controls, and the consequences applicable to a particular matter depend on the facts and law in effect at the time.
The University will maintain measures required by applicable law to address unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material and will make information about University copyright policies, sanctions, federal penalties, and lawful alternatives available to students. Lawful alternatives may include University-licensed library databases, authorized stores and subscription services, open educational resources, Creative Commons materials used according to their licenses, public-domain works, and works used with permission. Enrolled students will receive required copyright information and notices at least annually.