CSUN's Choice of Response to Allegations of Digital Copyright Infringement

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) provides a process for addressing claims of copyright infringement involving online content and services.

CSUN may use the DMCA process when acting as an internet service provider for students, faculty, staff, and others using CSUN network resources or online services.

Learn More About the DMCA

How CSUN Responds

When CSUN receives a copyright infringement notice, the university will:

  1. Review the notice to determine whether it meets applicable DMCA requirements.
  2. Identify the material or activity associated with the complaint, when possible.
  3. Notify the appropriate user when action is required.
  4. Remove or disable access to the material, restrict network access, or take other appropriate action when required.
  5. Review a counter-notification if one is submitted.
  6. Restore access when appropriate unless the copyright owner takes legal action as provided under the DMCA.

CSUN may use another appropriate response when the DMCA process does not apply or another approach is better suited to resolving the matter.

What a DMCA Notice Must Include

A copyright infringement notice generally must include:

  • A physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or authorized representative.
  • Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed.
  • Identification of the allegedly infringing material and enough information for CSUN to locate it.
  • Contact information for the person submitting the notice.
  • A statement that the sender has a good-faith belief that the use is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.
  • A statement that the information is accurate and, under penalty of perjury, that the sender is authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner.

If a notice is incomplete, CSUN may request additional information before taking action.

Official CSUN Content

CSUN's response may differ depending on the type of content involved.

For official university websites and online resources, CSUN has editorial responsibility and acts as the content provider.

For certain websites, materials, or services created or controlled by individual users or organizations, CSUN may act as a content-neutral internet service provider and may use the DMCA process.

Counter-Notification

If material is removed or access is disabled because of a DMCA notice, the affected individual may have the right to submit a counter-notification if they believe the material was removed because of mistake or misidentification.

A counter-notification is a formal legal response and must meet applicable DMCA requirements.

If CSUN receives a valid counter-notification, the university will follow the notification and restoration procedures established by the DMCA.

Review DMCA Information

Frequently Asked Questions

No. CSUN reviews each complaint to determine whether the DMCA process applies and is appropriate.

When CSUN is acting as a content-neutral internet service provider, it may use the DMCA notice-and-takedown process. Other circumstances may require a different university response.

CSUN may notify the user associated with the material or activity and seek voluntary removal, disable access to the material, restrict network access, or take other appropriate action.

CSUN reviews the notice to determine whether it substantially meets DMCA requirements.

CSUN may request additional information from the copyright owner or authorized representative. If the required information is not provided, the notice may not qualify for the DMCA process.

A counter-notification is a formal response available under the DMCA when someone believes material was removed or disabled because of mistake or misidentification.

Because a counter-notification has legal requirements and consequences, individuals should carefully review the requirements before submitting one.

No. CSUN must follow the timelines and procedures established by the DMCA.

After receiving a valid counter-notification, CSUN will notify the original complainant. The material may be restored when appropriate unless the copyright owner initiates legal action as provided under the DMCA.

No. CSUN has editorial responsibility for official university websites and online resources.

Other materials may be created or controlled by individual faculty, students, classes, student organizations, or other groups. CSUN's role and response may therefore depend on the content and circumstances.

Follow the instructions in the notice and respond within the required timeframe.

For detailed instructions, including information about counter-notification, visit the main DMCA page.

What to Do If You Receive a DMCA Notice

Resources

Questions?

For questions about CSUN's response to a copyright infringement notice, contact:

CSUN Information Security
Email: iso@csun.edu
Phone: (818) 677-6100