Legal Services & Ethics + Copyright Infringement−Policies and Sanctions
Legal Services & Ethics
The Technical College System of Georgia, and its 22 Colleges have a responsibility to adhere to the highest ethical standards and principles in the fulfillment of our mission. In recognition of this responsibility, we strive to foster and cultivate an environment in which ethics and integrity are paramount to every facet of our operations. TCSG has codified this commitment within our
Ethics and Standards of Conduct for Employees and Ethical Responsibilities of Employees.
As such, TCSG strongly encourages the reporting of all forms of unethical conduct and non-compliance. To provide an effective mechanism for reporting such activity, TCSG established the Ethics and Compliance Reporting Portal. Instances of known or suspected unethical and non-compliant activities within one of our 22 Technical Colleges or within our System Office may be reported.
The Technical College System of Georgia appreciates your willingness to come forward and report concerns involving known or suspected unethical and non-compliant activities taking place within one of our 22 technical colleges or here within our System Office. TCSG takes these matters seriously and will not tolerate retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith.
Only matters involving non-compliance, unethical, or fraudulent behavior will be investigated. Issues for which there is another resolution procedure will be referred to the appropriate parties.
https://www.tcsg.edu/about-tcsg/system-office-services/legal-services/ethics-reporting/
Ethics Reporting – TCSG | Technical College System of Georgia
Summary of Civil and Criminal Penalties for Violation of Federal Copyright Laws
Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a
copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.
Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or “statutory” damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in
its direction, also assess costs and attorney’s fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.
Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense. For more information, please see the website of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov and FAQ’s at http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/.
Unauthorized Distribution of Copyrighted Materials is prohibited by TCSG Policy TCSG State Board Policy II.C.4 prohibits the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials via TCSG systems or networks. Maximum penalties under Georgia Law are a $50,000 fine and 15 years of imprisonment, plus civil liability in addition to the potential federal penalties listed above.
Legal Alternatives for Downloading or Otherwise Acquiring Copyrighted Materials
For a list of legal alternative sites for downloading copyrighted materials, please visit the EDUCAUSE website at: http://www.educause.edu/legalcontent.