It is the policy of Defiance College to comply with the United States Copyright Law of 1976, as amended (Title 17, United States Code). Thus, all faculty, staff, and students of Defiance College are required to respect the proprietary rights of owners of copyrights and refrain from actions that infringe the rights of copyright owners.
The Defiance College Copyright Guidelines and Copyright Analysis Framework were developed to assist members of the Defiance College community in complying with federal copyright law and to enable them to distinguish between permitted and prohibited uses of copyrighted materials. Members of the Defiance College community are expected to familiarize themselves with these documents and to comply conscientiously with their requirements. The guidelines contain extensive information about copyright law as well as directions to resources that will assist members of the community in complying with this policy and the law.
All departments are responsible for posting notices reflecting this policy at all photocopying stations that may be used for reproducing copyrighted materials and at or near all computer stations.
The penalties for violation of United States copyright law can be severe. Employees and students who willfully disregard copyright law place themselves at risk of civil and criminal legal action. Individuals who engage in infringing activities also place the college at risk of legal action. The college will defend any faculty or staff member against a civil action alleging copyright infringement:
Otherwise, the faculty or staff member will be personally responsible for the defense of a civil action for copyright infringement. Students who are sued for copyright infringement are generally not entitled to a defense provided by the college. In addition, members of the college community who willfully violate this Policy are subject to disciplinary action by the college up to and including termination, consistent with established college procedures.