Copyright infringement is the use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Copyrighted material may include copyrighted music, moves, television shows, text files, and software. Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, whether downloading or sharing out, using the Caltech network is a violation of Caltech's Acceptable Use Policy. It is also a violation of US civil and criminal law under the federal Copyright Act. Incoming students receive an informational flyer to help provide guidance in avoiding copyright infringement problems. Caltech's Office of the Intellectual Property Counsel also has a helpful Copyright Tutorial on copyright, fair use, and how the law applies in academic settings. When Caltech receives an official notice of copyright infringement under the terms of the DMCA, we are obligated as a service provider, and as a university under the terms of the Higher Education Opportunities Act, to take action.
Here are some useful resources pertaining to copyright law and the DMCA.
Caltech's Institute Policy on Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources
Copyright Tutorial
DMCA Copyright Infringement Policy
Educause list of free and fee-based authorized distribution sources for copyrighted materials
Questions about the DMCA or Intellectual Property law? Contact IPQuestions@caltech.edu