Reproduction of Computer Software Programs
It is the intent of Portland Community College to adhere to the provisions of copyright laws in the area of microcomputer software. It is also the intent to comply with the license agreements and/or policy statements contained in the software packages used in the district.
In circumstances where the interpretation of the copyright law is ambiguous, the college shall look to the applicable license agreements to determine appropriate use of the software.
We recognize that computer software piracy is a major problem for the industry and that violations of copyright laws contribute to higher costs and greater efforts to prevent copying and/or lessen incentives for the development of effective educational use of microcomputers.
Therefore, in an effort to discourage violation of copyright laws and to prevent such illegal activities:
- The ethical and practical implication of software piracy will be taught to educators and students at all campuses.
- College employees will be informed that they are expected to adhere to section 117 of the 1976 Copyright Act, as amended in 1980, governing the use of software.
- When permission is obtained from the copyright holder to use software on a disk-sharing system, efforts will be made to secure this software from copying.
- Under no circumstances shall illegal copies of copyrighted software be made or used on college equipment. The Vice President of Administrative Services or his designee is designated as the only individual who may sign license agreements for software.
- Each campus using licensed software should have a signed copy of the software agreement.
- The Executive Officer at each site is responsible for establishing practices which will enforce this copyright policy at that level.