3.5.4. United States Copyright Law Requirements

Oglethorpe University supports and promotes adherence to the copyright laws of the United States, and particularly recognizes and adheres to the fair use provisions of Section 107 and the transmission performance and display exception of Section 110(2) of the Copyright Act wherever necessary when promoting educational activities requiring the sharing of materials. The University requires that all faculty, staff and students comply with the Copyright Act. The University also supports the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 that made major changes to the United States Copyright Laws to make them compliant with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances Phonograms Treaty. Under these provisions it is illegal to copy or distribute copyrighted materials. This includes music, movies, video, or games that are downloaded via file sharing networks like KaZaA, Gnutella, Napster, Blubster, and others, and which items are typically distributed without the permission of the copyright owner. Thus, these downloads are illegal. The University prohibits the downloading and distribution of copyrighted materials without the permission of the copyright holders and the proper licensing as required. Members of the University community who violate copyright law will be liable for their infringement. Infringement of copyright law can result in criminal and civil liability and statutory damages in excess of $150,000 for each work. Please consult https://library.oglethorpe.edu/services/copyright/ the most up-to-date information on the impact and requirements of U.S. copyright law on the educational mission of the University, its employees and its students.