Copyright/DMCA Procedures

When an enforcement agency has sent a notification to the University specifying a copyright violation, (downloading of illegal movies, software, games, music for further sharing) the following steps should be taken by the University Copyright Officer:

STEPS:

1. Send response to notifying agency in the same way notice was received.
2. Identify the IP address “owner”.
3. Send email letter to the responsible department or student.
4. Second offense requires a phone call or email to set up an interview.
5. If there is a third offense, the port will be partitioned to discontinue Internet service to the offender.

DETAILS:

1. Reply to the enforcement agent via email, or in the same way received.

2. Request IP address ID through IT Dispatch. It will include:

a. Building location

b. Machine hardware ID if available

c. Office room number

d. Personnel assigned to the IP address/dorm room

i. Department

ii. Staff person

iii. Responsible individual

3. If it is NOT a static address, then request Machine hardware ID for the matching date and time of the violation.

4. Make a request through the appropriate ITU field services contact to have the machine located at the IP address be cleaned of all infringing material as well as programs allowing distribution of similar materials.

5. If the machine is in a student dorm, this means the machine belongs to the student and GMU is the network service provider. In this case, according to the number of violations, take steps to partition the port in the dorm room through which the student is providing access to the material listed in notifications. The port would remain partitioned until further notice, until an interview is conducted, or until the end of the semester.