The unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, is against federal copyright laws. Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under Section 106 of the Copyright Act. Violators of civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or “statutory” damages not less than $750 or more than $30,000 per work infringed. “Willful” copyright infringement carries a civil penalty up to $150,000 per work infringed and a criminal penalty of imprisonment up to five years and fines up to $250,000 per offense. See Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505. For more information, see the U.S. Copyright Office website at www.copyright.gov, especially their FAQ’s at www.copyright.gov/help/faq. Copyright infringement, including illegal downloading or unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials using the college’s information technology system, is a violation of the NMJC Code of Student Conduct. Violators will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action depending on the severity of the violation, including loss of information resource access privileges and suspension from the college.
