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 COPYRIGHT POLICY

It is the intent of the Maine School Administrative District No. 71, its Board of Directors, staff and students, to adhere to the provisions of current copyright laws and congressional guidelines.  Employees and students are to adhere to all provisions of Title 17 of the United States Code, entitled “Copyrights,” and other relative federal legislation and guidelines related to the duplication, retention, and use of copyrighted materials.

Specifically:

Unlawful copies of copyrighted materials may not be produced on district-owned equipment.

Unlawful copies of copyrighted material may not be used with district-owned equipment, within district-owned facilities, or at district-sponsored functions.

The legal and insurance protection of the District will not be extended to employees who unlawfully copy and use copyrighted materials.

Employees who make copies and/or use copyrighted materials in their jobs are expected to be familiar with published provisions regarding fair use and public display, and are further expected to be able to provide their supervisor, upon request, the justification under sections 107 or 110 of USC 17 for materials that have been used or copied.

Employees who use copyrighted materials that do not fall within fair use or public display guidelines will be able to substantiate that the materials meet one of the following tests:

The materials have been purchased from an authorized vendor by the individual or the District and a record of the purchase exists.

The materials are copies covered by a licensing agreement between the copyright owner and the District or the individual employee.

The materials are being previewed or demonstrated by the user to reach a decision about future purchase or licensing and a valid agreement exists that allows for such use.  (See following page.)

Proposed:         1/23/95

Approved:        3/6/95

Amended:         12/8/97