old-Copyright and Digital Millennium Act

Copyright - Materials published by the Tennessee College of Applied Technology are protected by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The DMCA also requires that the institution inform all computer and network users that downloading of copyrighted material is prohibited. In addition, Tennessee Code Annotated §49-7-1(c) specifies that the institution ensure that no copyrighted digital music or videos be downloaded using institutional resources. Any attempts to do so will result in appropriate disciplinary sanctions. Violations - Violations of the policy will result in corrective action by the appropriate institution office. Students who violate this policy will be referred to the Student Services Coordinator for appropriate action. Employees who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary measures imposed by their supervisor in conjunction with the institution’s administration. Violations of local, state, or federal laws regarding unlawful access or use may be referred to the appropriate law enforcement officials for investigation and/or prosecution.

Copyright General Information

Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) to creators of “original works of authorship” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and other published and unpublished works, when “fixed in a tangible form of expression.” Protections last for the term of the author’s life plus 50 years after death. It is illegal for anyone to violate any of the rights provided to the owner of a copyright. The Copyright Act (1976) contains provisions permitting the award of monetary damages against individuals who infringe on copyrighted material. In civil cases, the law allows the assessment of actual damages or statutory damages. For each infringement, statutory damages range from $250 to $10,000. Sections 107-118 of the Copyright Act also establish exempt uses of copyrighted materials and thus relief from liability. One major limitation is the doctrine of “fair-use” which is given statutory basis in Section 107 of the Act.