DMCA Compliance Policy

It is the policy of Central Michigan University to promptly process and investigate notices of alleged copyright infringement and take appropriate actions under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, Title 17, United States Code, Section 512 ("DMCA"). Pursuant to the DMCA, Central Michigan University has designated an agent to receive notification of alleged copyright infringement occurring on Web pages or computer servers. If you believe that your copyrighted work is being infringed on a Central Michigan University site, please notify our designated agent, preferably by email, at:

Copyright Compliance
Information Technology
Central Michigan University

Contents of Notice

The DMCA requires that all notices of alleged copyright infringement must be in writing. When informing the designated agent of an alleged copyright infringement, you should:

1. Identify the copyrighted work that allegedly has been infringed. If multiple copyrighted works at a single online site are involved, please provide a list of the works on that site.
2. Describe the material that is claimed to be infringing and provide sufficient information to permit Central Michigan University to locate that material.
3. Provide your contact information, including an address, telephone number, and, if available, an e-mail address.
4. Certify or include a statement that you have a good faith belief that the use of the copyright-protected material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, the owner’s agent, or law.
5. Certify that the information that you have provided Central Michigan University is accurate. You should attest under penalty of perjury that you are authorized to enforce the copyrights that you allege have been infringed.
6. Include a physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or person authorized to act on behalf of the owner.

Central Michigan University may not be able to act on your complaint promptly or at all if you do not provide the information required in the “Contents of Notice.”

Before you allege an infringement, you should consult copyright materials to confirm that the use is, in fact, infringing. The United States Copyright Office provides basic information that can help you determine whether an exception or defense, such as fair use, may apply to the use of your copyrighted work.

Notice and Takedown Procedure

Central Michigan University expects all users of its system to comply with applicable copyright laws. However, if the university is notified of a claimed copyright infringement, or otherwise becomes aware of facts and circumstances from which infringement is apparent, it will respond appropriately, which may include removing or disabling access to the material that is claimed to be infringing. Central Michigan University will follow the procedures outlined in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act with regard to appropriate notifications of the user and the complaining party, acceptance of counter notifications, and, where indicated, putback of the alleged infringing material. Refer to the United States Copyright Office for a summary of the provisions of the DMCA.

Repeat Infringers

Where it has been clearly established that a Central Michigan University user is a repeat offender, the University may terminate that individual’s account.

US Copyright Law and Central Michigan University Policy

Individuals who infringe copyright-protected materials on Central Michigan University networks are subject to discipline under Central Michigan University’s Web Policy and other University policies. In appropriate circumstances, penalties for violations of the Policy include, but are not limited to, termination of all computing privileges.

Copyright infringement is a violation of federal law and subject to severe civil penalties and sanctions. Copyright infringement can also be a violation of federal criminal law. Thus, every user of the Central Michigan University networks and Web must maintain a basic understanding of copyright law and must comply with Central Michigan University copyright policies.

For more information on U.S. copyright law and the DMCA, consult the web site of the United States Copyright Office. The U.S. Copyright office has a variety of circulars and forms, available online or printed, which can provide answers and guidance to many copyright questions and issues. Circular 1 has simple, concise explanations and descriptions of what you must do to keep from infringing copyrights of others, as well as protecting your own creative works. In addition, there are resources available through the library or through a simple Web search.

For More Information

Text of the DMCA

Overview of the DMCA

Digital Millennium Copyright Act