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+Copyright Infringement

COPYRIGHT IMFRINGEMENT

By writeEmailSherman("llnbrn3@w73.nm7.3p"); Sherman, Xie Chunyan
InfoComm Security/QA, Computer Centre
National University of Singapore
Mar, 2005

Copyright infringement has always been considered as a serious offence in NUS. NUS IT resources Acceptable Use Policy which everyone using NUS IT resources must adhere to has explicitly spelled out that copyright infringement offender would face disciplinary actions.

“Downloading, making copies, distribution or sharing of any copyrighted materials or copyright infringing materials without prior permission from the copyright owner” via IT resources is prohibited.

The full NUS IT resources Acceptable Use Policy can be found at: https://security.nus.edu.sg/aup.htm

Copyright Act Amendment

Starting January 2005, after the newly amendment of the Copyright Act take into effect, it is now a criminal offense for a person or company to conduct wilful copyright infringement.

In the case where the extent of infringement is significant, and/or where the person does the act to obtain a commercial advantage, criminal penalties will be applied according to the new Section 136(3A). The first-time offender under the new Section 136(3A) will face penalties up to a maximum fine of $20,000 and/or to an imprisonment term not exceeding 6 months.  Subsequent offenders will face heavier penalties.

Use of Unlicensed Software

Use of unlicensed software on NUS PCs is prohibited. Make sure the software running on your computer are license copies.

1). Make sure the Windows operating system installed on your computer is a genuine copy. All NUS PCs are entitled to have Windows license. By the middle of this year, Microsoft will make the verification mandatory in all countries for both add-on features to Windows as well as for all OS updates, including security patches.

2). Variety of licensed software can be obtained from webshop

(http://helpdesk.nus.edu.sg/webshop/) to satisfy your daily needs. If the software you need could not be found in webshop, you need to request your department to purchase a copy.

P2P Downloading

Using of P2P software is not banned in NUS. However, downloading of illegal copyrighted materials from the internet using P2P software is not allowed. In addition, due to the bandwidth hogging nature of P2P software, the bandwidth of P2P software downloading is regulated. The priority of bandwidth allocation is given to more popular traffic such as http.

1). Buy music from online music stores.

2). Watch movies in cinemas or on cable channels.

2). Use P2P software only for legitimate purposes.

Appendix:

Here are the new sections in concern excerpted from the Copyright Act:

136 (3A)   Where, at any time when copyright subsists in a work ––

(a) a person does any act that constitutes an infringement of the copyright in a work other than an act referred to in subsection (1), (2), (3) or (6);

(b) the infringement of the copyright in the work by the person is wilful; and

(c) either or both of the following apply:

(i) the extent of the infringement is significant;

(ii) the person does the act to obtain a commercial advantage,

the person shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both and, in the case of a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both.

(6B)   For the purposes of subsection (3A) (c) (ii), a person does an act for the purpose of obtaining a commercial advantage if the act is done to obtain a direct advantage, benefit or financial gain for a business or trade carried on by him.