Vanderbilt responds to allegations of copyright infringement in digital and online media in accordance with procedures required by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Vanderbilt policy prohibits violations of copyright law by use of University networks, equipment, and facilities. Suspected student offenders are referred to Student Accountability, Community Standards and Academic Integrity, which investigates, and where appropriate, initiates the University’s accountability process consistent with University policies and regulations. Vanderbilt students who are granted access to the University’s IT systems, including computer centers or campus-wide internet services, are expected to ensure appropriate use of those systems.
Vanderbilt’s information technology privileges and responsibilities are articulated in the University’s acceptable use policy at www.vanderbilt.edu/cybersecurity/policies/aup-policy/.
The unauthorized copying, performance, or distribution of materials protected by copyright law may subject individuals to civil and criminal penalties. The distribution of material through peer-to-peer file-sharing networks may constitute copyright infringement if undertaken without authorization of the copyright owner.
Civil penalties for copyright infringement include fines of up to $30,000 per work infringed, or, in the case of willful infringement, $150,000 per work infringed. Criminal penalties for copyright infringement can be more severe and range, in the case of fines, from $5,000 to $250,000 per work infringed, and can include imprisonment of up to five years per offense depending on the facts of the case. Infringers may also be liable for attorney’s fees and court costs.
Music Licensing
Vanderbilt maintains music licenses with several major performing rights organizations granting Vanderbilt the right to publicly perform (live or mechanically) nondramatic musical compositions in the organizations’ repertoires. Maintenance of these licenses requires, on a quarterly basis, that Vanderbilt furnish copies of all programs prepared for distribution to an audience or for Vanderbilt or a Vanderbilt department’s internal use, of musical works performed at Vanderbilt, including all encores to the extent possible. These licenses do not include the right to record copyright-protected musical compositions or performances, except in limited circumstances.