A knowledge base article about Copyright & FileSharing FAQs provided by the UC Berkeley IT Service Hub - Knowledge Portal
1. "Takedown notices" under the DMCA:
A “Takedown Notice” is a formal request under the federal Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) for the removal of online content due to alleged copyright infringement. If you receive a takedown notice, you are advised to delete the alleged infringing material. The DMCA also includes provisions and a process, called a “counter-notice,” for challenging a DMCA notice if you believe it is in error – also available at the above link.
As an Internet Service Provider under the meaning of the DMCA, UC Berkeley does not monitor its networks for the purpose of discovering illegal activity. However, UC Berkeley has programs to ensure that copyright is respected within the Campus community, including as it applies to digital material. If campus receives a legal DMCA notice of alleged copyright infringement, the Information Security Office will notify the individual whose account or device is associated with the alleged violation. If you receive such a notice from the campus Information Security Office, please follow its instructions and respond promptly. Please see “DMCA Notice Response,” section II.D of Combating Illegal File Sharing, for information about how UC Berkeley responds to DMCA notices that it receives.
See The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) at UC Berkeley and Copyright Regulations and Resources for additional information and resources relating to copyright and the DMCA.
2. Early Settlement Offers, Subpoenas, and other legal actions taken by a copyright holder or their legal representative:
The Student Technology Services’ File Sharing & Copyright webpage describes several legal options that copyright holders can pursue, and a summary of how they each work (applies to both students and non-students).
Please be aware that campus legal counsel cannot represent individuals in matters of alleged copyright infringements. However, registered students may seek guidance from Student Legal Services.
General copyright information:
EDUCAUSE maintains a list of legitimate download services.