POLICY/PROCEDURE

Mississippi State University is aware of its responsibility for complete adherence to all legal requirements implied by the use of copyrighted computer software.  Personnel at Mississippi State University will use a copyrighted computer software product only in compliance with the licensure agreement associated with that product.  The unit head is responsible for compliance with all licensure agreements entered into by his/her unit.  Purchase of copyrighted computer software by any unit at the University requires that the Director of Procurement & Contracts complete and return any required license agreement to the software product owner.  Prior to any use, including proposed duplication of any software product, the intended user (faculty member, staff member, student, or other University personnel) will determine the conditions of the licensure related to that product.  Failure to comply with conditions of licensure of a computer software product will constitute a base for consideration of disciplinary action toward the offending person.  Violations of U.S. Copyright Laws can result in civil damage, including profits and attorney’s fees.   Also criminal penalties exist for willful infringement, for purposes of commercial advancement or private gain, and for fraud.  

REVIEW

This OP will be revised every five years (or whenever circumstances require an earlier review) by the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs (APAA) with recommendations for revisions presented to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

AOP 30.02
10/87
Revised 07/12/05

For information about this policy, contact the responsible/reviewing department hyperlinked above.