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Use of Copyright Materials

Chemeketa prohibits the use of our network for the unauthorized duplication, use, or distribution of copyrighted digital materials.

Digital Copyright and File Sharing 

Do you want to use a digital image, song, or video, but aren't sure if it is copyright protected? Do you use peer-to-peer file sharing software to download or share music and videos? Have you received a notice telling you to remove copyrighted files because of alleged infringement under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), but you don't know what that means? This page can help you get answers to these and similar questions about digital copyright, file sharing, DMCA notification procedures at Chemeketa, and what you should do to remain in compliance with copyright laws.

Chemeketa's Appropriate Use (College Policy 1760) and Use of Copyright Materials (College Policy 1410) policies prohibit the use of the Chemeketa network for the unauthorized duplication, use, or distribution of copyrighted digital materials, regardless of the method employed (e.g., Web pages, peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, e-mail, etc.). You must have fair use rights or authorization from the copyright holder for any material you use, make available, or share over Chemeketa's network. These and other college policies demonstrate Chemeketa's commitment to compliance with the requirements of various federal copyright laws and the associated legal responsibilities of the college in this regard.

Please read on to learn more about Chemeketa's position on unauthorized file sharing, copyright infringement notification processes, protocols followed by the college in addressing and deterring copyright infringement, and legal options for obtaining music and videos via the Internet.

Copyright Law

Learn More about Copyright and File Sharing

Legal Options for Enjoying Digital Music and Video

Visit the websites of your favorite artists as many offer free downloads of their music. Note, however, that while it's okay for you to distribute the site links, it's generally not okay to distribute or make the music itself available to others through your own site.

Before signing up for any digital music or video service, carefully read the site's privacy policy and/or terms of use statement to be sure that the service is an authorized distribute the material that it makes available to you. Both free (e.g., www.limewire.com) and fee-based (e.g., www.musicetc.com) software may utilize unauthorized distribution channels for copyrighted material, such as the Gnutella file-sharing network. Buying a license to file sharing software does not necessarily give you legal access to the music it makes available, and it almost never allows you to further distribute that music.