Submitted on behalf of Information Technology Services and Student Affairs and Campus Life
Just prior to spring break President Williams received notification that the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) would be embarking on a new initiative of lawsuits against computer users involved in P2P file-sharing of copyrighted materials from the labels they represent.
The RIAA has indicated that its efforts will be focused on illegal file-sharing on college and university campuses. Although Ithaca College outsources its ResNet service to Apogee we wanted to make sure that you aware of this heightened activity by the RIAA. We also want to encourage you to review the Ithaca College Copyright Policy at https://www.ithaca.edu/attorney/policies/vol2/Volume_2-232.htm. As a reminder, it is a violation of College policy to share or distribute material without the permission of a copyright owner.
In a nutshell, the RIAA initiative is structured to provide a pre-settlement option to allow alleged infringers the opportunity to settle at a discounted rate if the alleged infringer exercises the option prior to the RIAA filing a lawsuit. If you receive an RIAA letter you will be directed in the letter to contact the RIAA lawyers to discuss the settlement. You may wish to contact your own private attorney before speaking or contacting the record company lawyers. Your own counsel can best advise you in understanding your legal rights, assist you in determining your potential liability and negotiate the best settlement, if necessary.
We encourage you to not dismiss any correspondence you receive from the RIAA. Act accordingly and know your rights prior to responding to any letters or legal action commenced by the RIAA.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20070321172659305