Illinois Wesleyan University advocates that individuals creating content proactively review publisher right's agreements before signing and retain authority over the intellectual property. Illinois Wesleyan University encourages individuals to be familiar with the application of the four factors comprising Fair Use.
While Illinois Wesleyan University copyright policies and practices are as described here, final judgment rests with each individual. The Copyright Guide is also available for reference, with information relevant to use of teaching and learning materials in face-to-face and online instruction, as well as information about Fair Use, the TEACH Act, public domain, and Creative Commons. There is also guidance for student groups and individual student creators about their copyright responsibilities. This guide is not intended as legal advice and is updated as needed.
Support and help is available from the University Librarian & Copyright Officer.
Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer sharing, may subject you to civil and criminal liabilities. The Copyright Act provides stiff penalties for infringing copyrighted works. Under appropriate circumstances, penalties can include monetary damages, all profits earned by the infringer from the unauthorized use of the copyrighted work and attorney's fees. A court can also order the destruction of all infringing copies.