Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) and Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Policies

Copying, distributing, and downloading copyrighted materials, including music, videos, and games, for which you do not have the owner's (copyright holder's) permission is a violation of federal law. Compliance with federal copyright law is expected of all students, faculty, and staff at University at Buffalo. If you download and/or distribute unauthorized copies of copyrighted music recordings and movies, you are breaking the law and may be held legally liable for thousands of dollars in damages. Federal law provides severe penalties for the unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or digital transmission of copyrighted materials. The FBI investigates allegations of criminal copyright infringement and violators are prosecuted. Watch this video on downloading music legally to learn how to protect yourself legally.

Spyware: Wondering if your favorite p2p file sharing program has spyware bundled into it?

• KaZaA End User Agreement: Read Section 9.1 carefully.
• Clean and Infected P2P File-swapping Programs
• Q and A on the Topic of File Sharing with Dean Hendrix, Health Sciences Library

Compliance with Legal Requirements: DMCA and Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Policies

• Reporting Alleged Copyright Infringement (to UB's DMCA Agent)

• How UB Responds to Allegations of Online Copyright Infringement (DMCA Notices)

• Procedures for DMCA Pre-Subpoena Letters

• FAQ: Use of the UB Network for File Sharing and Downloading Copyrighted Material (Music, Games, and Videos)