Copyright Policy

The copying, distribution or sharing of copyrighted works (including music, videos, and digital copies of textbook) without permission may be referred to as “copyright infringement”, “pirating” or, in the electronic context through peer-to-peer networks, “illegal file sharing”.

The unauthorized copying, sharing or distribution of copyrighted material is strictly prohibited. It is a violation of federal law, the Copyright Act, and of the Code of Student Conduct. Students who infringe a copyright are subject to (i) disciplinary action under the Code of Student Conduct up to and including expulsion and/or (ii) civil or 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.

To the extent practicable, the University will enforce the provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), Pub.L.No. 105-304, by responding to DMCA notices if and when they are received. All DMCA notices must be in writing (either on paper or electronic mail) and must include the following elements:

• A physical or electronic signature
• Description of the work claimed to be infringed
• Description of the allegedly infringing work and the location on the University's web site
• Contact information for the complaining party
• A statement that the complaining party has a good faith belief that the use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner or law
• A statement that the information contained in the notification is accurate, and under penalty of perjury, that the complaining party is authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner

The University will respond to these notices by making reasonable attempts to identify the violator and, if applicable, by forwarding any notices and settlement requests to identifiable violators. In addition, the University may initiate the appropriate disciplinary action for such violations.

Copyright Infringement Reporting

To report copyright infringements on Villanova University's Web site, please notify:

Chief Information Security Officer 
Office for University Information Technologies 
800 Lancaster Avenue 
Villanova, PA 19085
e-mail address: dmca@villanova.edu
 
The Chief Information Security Officer is the agent designated under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, P.L. 105-304,with authority to respond to reports alleging copyright infringements