DMCA ... What Is It?
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is legislation that criminalizes unauthorized sharing and dissemination of copyrighted works, including movies, songs, and other digital files. Violation of the DMCA will not be tolerated at Montana State University.
Purpose, Scope & Policy Statement
The purpose of this document is to set forth the policies and procedures followed by Montana State University when complaints about violation of the DMCA are received.
These policies and procedures apply to all users connecting to any Montana State University network on computers, tablets, phones, and any other device.
Montana State University's networks may not be used to share copyrighted materials (files, programs, songs, movies, etc). Sharing copyrighted material without the copyright holder's express permission is a direct violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and will not be tolerated at Montana State University.
Copyright infringement is a violation of federal law and subject to civil and/or criminal sanctions. Every user of Montana State University networks and computing services must comply with university copyright guidelines and policies. When MSU receives copyright infringement complaints, preservation notices, pre-settlement notices, subpoenas, and/or settlement letters, they are taken seriously and acted upon accordingly under the provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, Title 17, United States Code, Section 512.
Pursuant to the DMCA, Montana State University has a designated agent to receive notification of alleged copyright infringement occurring through the University's networks. Under the authority of the designated agent, the Auxiliary Services Information Technology Division, will acknowledge receipt and handle all complaints alleging infringement violations.
Enforcement
MSU is required by federal law to remove copyrighted materials from the infringing source when informed by the copyright holder. Violation of a federal law is a violation of MSU's Student Code of Conduct.
Alleged violators will receive an email notification or call with a copy of the original complaint, explaining what must be done to respond to the alleged copyright infringement violation.