Copyright Infringement Affects You

Copying the works of others, even if you credit your sources, may constitute copyright infringement

Potential consequences of copyright infringement, especially if it is repeated, include:

• Legal action by the copyright holder resulting in “actual” or “statutory” damages ranging from $750 to $30,000 per infringement.
• For “willful” infringement, court awards of $150,000 per work infringed as well as criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.
• Court costs and attorney fees.
• Disciplinary action by the university and the loss of computer access to your NC State email, online classes, and licensed library resources.

Knowing the Facts

• Copyright is automatic. An original work is fully protected as soon as it is recorded in a tangible medium of expression (e.g., letter, picture, video, website). It does not need to be registered or published or have a copyright notice.
• Copyright holders possess the exclusive rights to reproduce, modify, distribute, perform, or display their works. There are some exceptions, especially those favoring educational and news reporting uses.
• If there is a favorable exception, you may be able to use a work without obtaining prior permission. For example, works published in the United States before 1923 may be used freely.
• Use of a copyrighted work without permission or applicable exception is infringement.
• It is your responsibility to understand enough about university policies and copyright law to make responsible, defensible decisions. Being uninformed about laws and policies will not get you off the hook.

Copyright Resources

• In this issue: Articles on downloadingThis link will open in a new window and notificationThis link will open in a new window
• Computing Rules and Regulations: http://go.ncsu.edu/student-useThis link will open in a new window
• Provost Office – Copyright Administration: http://go.ncsu.edu/provost-copyrightThis link will open in a new window, tutorials, worksheets, sample permission letters, and more
• Office of General Counsel - Shawn C. Troxler: http://go.ncsu.edu/intel-propThis link will open in a new window, basic copyright information
• Student Legal Services: http://go.ncsu.edu/student-legalThis link will open in a new window
• U.S. Copyright Office and FAQ: http://www.copyright.govThis link will open in a new window, http://www.copyright.gov/help/faqThis link will open in a new window