The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of reproductions of copyrighted material, including photocopying, printing and downloading.

Copyright protections are created when words are put on paper, words are transmitted via email, music is recorded, computer software is written or images are created.  Once done, the work is protected by copyright.  If someone else wants to use the work, they must get permission from the creator.

Copyright infringement is any reproduction (download), display, distribution (upload), creation of derivative works or public performance of copyrighted material without permission of the copyright owner or unless there is an applicable statutory exception or limitation.  Any individual who uses such a reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use” may be liable for copyright infringement.

In addition, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) passed into law in 1998 addresses some of the issues unique to digital copyright. In order to help copyright holders protect their digital content, the DMCA contains provisions forbidding circumvention of digital protections and protecting copyright management information.

Copyright management information includes the title of a work, the name of the author or copyright holder and other identifying information. Intentionally removing or altering such information violates a provision of the DMCA.

Furthermore, in accordance with the DMCA the copying, distribution, downloading and uploading of copyrighted materials on any personal or College computer system is forbidden.  These materials include, but are not limited to, text (including emails and web information), graphics, art, photographs, music, film and software.

In reporting copyright infringements, the DMCA requires that all claims of infringement be in writing and include:

  1. a physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or person designated to act on his/her behalf;
  2. identification of the allegedly infringed copyrighted work;
  3. identification of the infringing material and sufficient information to locate that material;
  4. Contact information for the complainant or person designated to act on his/her behalf, including address, telephone number and, if applicable, e-mail address.
  5. a statement that the complainant has a good faith belief that the use of the material is not authorized by the copyright owner or the law;
  6. a statement that the information in the notification is accurate and, under penalty of perjury, that the complainant is authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner.

It is expected that all SUNY Optometry faculty, staff and students will comply with applicable copyright laws.  It is the policy of SUNY Optometry to process and investigate notices of alleged copyright infringement, and take appropriate actions under the DMCA.  SUNY Optometry will follow the procedures outlined in the DMCA with regard to appropriate notifications to the user and the complainant, accept counter notifications and, where indicated, remove or disable access to the alleged infringing material.

Violations of this policy may result in the suspension or permanent closing of user accounts, campus disciplinary action, legal action and/or other action.

For additional information on copyrights, please refer to the following resources:

To report copyright infringements, please notify the Copyright Officer and DMCA Agent:

Ms. Elaine Wells
SUNY College of Optometry
33 West 42nd St at Bryant Park
New York, NY 10036

Phone: (212) 938-5691
Fax: (212) 938-5696
Email: ewells@sunyoptedu.suny.maxburst.dev