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Division of Student Affairs Online Users Guide: Copyright Infringement

The Division of Student Affairs recognizes that the use of digital music and movies is a growing phenomenon that has allowed many students to enjoy music and movies in new, positive ways. While there are many benefits to using digital music and movies, some students have experienced unintended consequences because they have chosen to break the law as it applies to copyrighted material.

These guidelines have been developed to help students avoid copyright infringement and obtain music, movies, and software in a legal manner.

How Copyright Infringement Affects You

Copyright Infringement is breaking the law. The RIAA has sued students for anywhere from $300.00 up to $3,500.00 per song!
In March of 2007, the University of Wisconsin System received 53 subpoenas related to Copyright Infringement.
UW-River Falls policy states that you are not to use the network for illegal purposes.

FredNet Policy on Copyright Infringement

FredNet policy in relation to receiving cease and desist notifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Movie Production Association of America (MPAA), and the Business Software Association (BSA) is a three step process
First Warning - A first warning results in a letter notifying the student of the alleged files that are believed to be copyrighted.
Second Warning - A second warning results in a letter notifying the student of the alleged files that are believed to be copyrighted as well as notification that network access in the students room as well as via the Campus Wireless network will be terminated for 30 academic days.
Third Warning - A third warning results in a letter notifying the student of the alleged files that are believed to be copyrighted as well as notification that network access in the students room as well as via the Campus Wireless network will be terminated for the remainder of the students academic career at UW-River Falls.

What Can You Do?

Avoid using file sharing applications such as Kazaa, Limewire, BitTorrent to download and share copyrighted material.
Look into Public-Domain music, movies, software, and books. These are freely distributed by the owners of the content such as those that can be found here: http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,117822-page,1/article.html

For more information feel free to contact FredNet at (715)435-FRED(3733), e-mail frednet@uwrf.edu.

UW-River Falls does not actively seek out copyright infringement. All notices of copyright infringement are sent to UW-System and then to UW-River Falls from the copyright owner or entities representing the copyright owner.

Additional Resources