Digital Copyright Compliance
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)
UB encourages all students, faculty and staff to engage in safe and legally compliant sharing of copyrighted materials. UB’s digital copyright compliance plan is supported by the Code of Student Conduct and UB's Computer and Network Use policies that states “written permission from the copyright holder is required to duplicate [and distribute] any copyrighted material.”
The information provided here is designed to help you understand digital copyright laws and policies as they apply to the sharing of copyrighted materials at UB. It also describes the University's administrative process used to handle cases of alleged infringement, and actions you can take to protect yourself from being involved in potentially illegal activities.
The University Libraries maintains a Copyright web page to help you understand the rights and limitations of copyright and fair use.
Compliance with Legal Requirements: DMCA and Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Policies
Still need help?
Contact the UBIT Help Center.
If you download illegally, you could pay a $250,000 fine. Here are four ways to protect yourself:
- File-sharing programs put you at huge risk for copyright violations. They operate in the background sharing your files. Close and uninstall them.
- If you don’t own your music, video and games, delete them.
- Use legal alternatives to buy your entertainment: iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and others.
- Download your FREE antivirus program from UB to protect yourself from Internet-based threats.