Copyright law applies to music, movies, games, photos, software, and other files in digital format. Downloading or distributing copyrighted material without the explicit permission from the copyright holder is against the law.

You may be breaking copyright laws without knowing about it. Many of the applications, such as Limewire, Ares, and Bittorrent automatically share the files you downlaod with others, unless you specifically disable file sharing features. Your computers may be distributing copyrighted material illegally all the time it is connected to the Internet.

Things you can do:

• Obtain explicit permission from copyright owners to share a file.
• Have proof that you have permission to download or distribute a file.
• Verify that your sources for media files actually have permission to distribute the files.
• Educate yourself regarding copyright law generally and on such topics as copy right infringement liabitlity, fair use, identifying copyright owners, and how to obtain permission. See: www.copyright.gov
• Learn your rights. Read enclosed licenses of media or material you purchase.
• Password protect the files you DO have permission to share.

Things the University of Minnesota does:

• Investigate complaints from copyright owners.
• Pursue appropriate disciplinary actions under the Student Conduct Code.
• Comply with applicable laws.
• Expeditiously remove access to the offending materials if notified by the copyright owner.
• Educate the University community about copyright and intellecutal property rights issues.