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Copyright and Peer to Peer Sharing Policy

Copyright and Peer to Peer Sharing Policy

 

 

Unauthorized Distribution of Copyrighted Material and unauthorized Peer-to-Peer File Sharing 

 

Montana Barber Institute works in compliance with the 1976 Copyright Act that states, “Copy-right protection subsists, in accordance with this title, in original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium expression, now known or later developed, from which they can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated, either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.” 

All students/employees are expected to follow all guidelines and policies of

The Copyright Act, and are not allowed to share files with other students on original forms of expression.

Types of Copyrighted Material

·  Literary works.

·  Musical works, including any accompanying words.

·  Dramatic works, including any accompanying music.

·  Pantomimes and choreographic works.

·  Pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works.

·  Motion pictures and other audiovisual works.

·  Sound recordings.

·  Architectural works. US Code, Title 17 Section 102.

· Penalties for Violating Federal Copyright Laws.

· Cease and Desist order.

·  Fines.

·  Lawsuits.

Penalties for copyright infringement and unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or "statutory" damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For "willful" infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys' fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.

Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.

For more information, please see the Web site of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov, especially their FAQs at www.copyright.gov/help/faq.

To avoid these penalties, you must obtain written authorization from the copyright owner allowing the use of the material.

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