Contesting copyright infringement notices

Before you contest

If you receive a copyright infringement notice, it is important to check a few things before contesting:

  1. Are the files in question actually are on your device? Some files are not immediately visible on the file manager of your device. If you believe an error has been made and don't recognize the file names listed in the original notice from the copyright owner, please use your computer’s “search files” function to search your system for the file names. If you need assistance in doing so, contact the UITS Support Center.
  2. Has another individual used your device recently? If you have allowed anyone else to use your machine, they may have placed these files on your hard drive without your knowledge. It is also possible that your computer has been compromised, and that the files have been placed there by someone else who has gained unauthorized access to your computer. No matter how they got there, the owner of the device hosting the copyrighted files is responsible to take steps to remediate the copyright violation.

If you believe in good faith that the copyright owner made a mistake in identifying your IP address or the files that it claims were infringed, please follow the procedures listed below to contest the notice.

Procedure for contesting the notice

You are still required to complete the copyright tutorial and quiz, even if you wish to contest the notice. Once you have completed the tutorial and quiz, please reply to the original email message from the University Information Security Office and include the following information:

  1. State that you wish to contest the copyright notice. For example, inform us if you believe a mistake was made or that you have permission to use the material in the manner outlined in the complaint.
  2. Explain why you believe a mistake was made. Please provide any additional details you wish for us to consider.

The UISO will begin a technical investigation once we have received your message. This includes examining the network traffic that was taking place from your computer, or VPN session at the date/time identified in the complaint. If we find technical evidence that suggests a mistake has been made, then the cost recovery fine will be removed. However if we find that the activity is consistent with the complaint, the fine will apply and the incident will count as an offense. Additionally, the incident may be referred to a disciplinary unit if it appears you misrepresented yourself when contesting.