Copyright Infringement Policies
and Sanctions Notice

Copyright Infringement Policies and Sanctions Notice

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under Section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.

Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or statutory damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For willful infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys’ fees. For details, see Title 17, Sections 504 and 505 of the United States Code.

Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.

The University of San Diego’s resources may not be used to support the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials. Copyright infringement is prohibited by the university’s Policy on Responsible Use of University Computing Resources and by the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities. Violations of these policies can result in denial of access to the university’s computing resources and/or other disciplinary action, up to and including separation from the university.

For more information, please see the website of the United States Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov, and its FAQ’s at www.copyright.gov/help/faq

You may also find more information about copyright protection and more resources at USD’s Office of the General Counsel website.

Contact the Office of the General Counsel with specific questions or concerns:
Thomas Skinner, General Counsel and Advisor to the President (619) 260-7974

The easiest way to apply to FST is to complete the online application, uploading the supporting documents as they are ready. If supporting documents arrive before your application, they will be attached to your application when it arrives.

Please remember to review all admissions requirements carefully before applying.