Copyright Infringement

Omega Studio’s School prohibits unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials.

Unauthorized distribution of copyright material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject the individual to civil and criminal liabilities

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 103 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.

Penalties for copyright infringement 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 attorney’ fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.

Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment up to five years and finds up to $250,000 per offense. For more information, please see the website of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov

Student found in violation of the Copyright Infringement Policy are subject to immediate termination.

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