DBE. Copyright/Patent Fair Use Policy
DBE Copyright/Patent Fair Use Policy
Use of copyrighted material without the user’s knowledge and permission is not allowed. Intellectual property created by South Plains College employees or students must not infringe on any existing copyright or patent. The creator(s) will be responsible for making sure that any work produced with College resources is in compliance with the Fair Use Doctrine of the Copyright Act and the appropriate permissions have been obtained for use of copyrighted and/or patented materials.
Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject students to civil and criminal liabilities (eCFR 668.43(10)(i)). Penalties for violation of federal copyright laws include jail, impounded illegal works, an injunction to stop the infringement, payment by the infringer for damages and profits, payment up to $150,000 per work for willful infringement, or between $750 and $30,000 in damages for copyright infringement where the owner sustains burden of proof; court and attorney’s fees may also be assessed the violator.
SPC’s disciplinary action for violation of these guidelines may include but is not limited to:
Loss of access to SPC IT resources.
Loss of access to SPC email services.
Extremely limited use of email and Internet services.
Dismissal.
Criminal prosecution.
Date Issued: October 2016
Approval: Executive Council
