What are the most common types of copyright infringements?
The most common complaints concern unauthorized distribution of copyrighted music and movies, although software is also frequently a basis for receipt of a complaint.
How can I avoid unknowingly violating copyright?
If you obtain free copies of music, a movie or software that is typically available for a fee in a store or over the Internet, it is VERY likely a violation of copyright laws. Conversely, if you subscribe to a file-sharing or peer-to-peer (p2p) service (e.g. Gnutella, Bearshare, KaZaA, LimeWire, etc.), by default the user agrees (whether knowingly or not) to offer up music or movie files stored on their computer. This is the same as setting up shop as a distributor of copyrighted material, without the copyright owner's permission--not a good position to take!
Who is notified when a copyright has been violated?
Typically, the copyright owner or the owner's officially designated agent sends an e-mail to East Carolina University with the details of what material is being compromised, by whom and the dates the activity was observed. In compliance with Federal laws (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) a university staff member researches the information to identify probable offenders, advises them to immediately cease the illegal activity and refers that information to the Office of Student Conflict Resolution.
What happens AFTER ECU has been notified of a copyright violation?
Your network port will be deactivated. You will be sent a notice stating : It has come to our attention that copyrighted material is available for public access from a computer in your room. Specifically, (a) copyrighted video recording(s) of...
You will then need to contact the Office of Student Conflict Resolution and make an appointment to discuss the issue. At your meeting or soon after, you must confirm you have ceased unauthorized sharing of copyrighted files or your network port will not be reactivated. Once Office of Student Conflict Resolution receives your confirmation, your network connection will be restored, usually within twenty-four (24) to forty-eight (48) hours. If you require technical assistance with removing the file-sharing client, it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you contact the student helpdesk at 328-4YOU.
What are the possible "sanctions" for violating copyright with respect to the university judicial system?
Unauthorized use of copyrighted materials violates Federal laws, potentially subjects the infringer to civil and criminal penalties, and is a violation of East Carolina University's Student and Employee Computer Use Policy and Student Code of Conduct . Depending on the nature of the violation and whether or not a student has prior judicial sanctions , the sanction can range from a "Warning" to losing RezNet service for a period of time. These sanctions are for a specified period of time. Should another violation occur, the individual may receive another sanction, appropriate to the circumstances.
Just how much trouble can a person get into over copyright infringement?
Unauthorized use of copyrighted materials violates Federal laws, subjects the infringer to civil and criminal penalties and, is a violation of East Carolina University's Student and Employee Computer Use Policy and Student Code of Conduct. To date, the vast majority of copyright complaints have been handled exclusively by campus authorities. Regardless, copyright owners may also pursue civil and criminal legal remedies, if they so choose.
