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For the past several years, various colleges and departments
within Temple University have been audited for compliance
with the University's Software Policy. This memorandum
is
issued in an effort to remind the University community of
the importance of complying with that policy and to
reiterate the seriousness of failing to do so.
Simply put, the unlicensed duplication or use of any
software program is illegal and can expose both you and the
University to civil and criminal penalties under copyright
law. Temple University's Software Policy was adopted
in
order to:
- establish standards of conduct with respect to
software acquisition, copying, transfer and use;
- inform students and employees of the repercussions
associated with software misuse;
- set forth disciplinary procedures for such misuse; and
- avoid University liability for individual's
violations
of copyright law and software licenses.
The Software Policy applies to all software acquired by
or on behalf of Temple University and all software (however
acquired) used on Temple University resources. Each user is
individually responsible for reading, understanding, and
adhering to the Software Policy, Computer Usage Policy and
all licenses, notices, and agreements in connection with
software, which he or she acquires, copies, transmits, or
uses. An individual who violates the Software Policy is
subject to any combination of the following:
- immediate system "lock-down" to prevent installation
of future software;
- suspension or revocation of computer accounts; and
- disciplinary action as detailed by the relevant
policies and rules for faculty, staff, and students. These
actions may include suspension, expulsion or termination
of employment.
Without limiting the individual's personal
liability, the
applicable unit (e.g., administrative or academic
department, center, institute, school or college) for any
employee who violates the Software Policy is internally
responsible for:
- any assessed or agreed to fee/fine/settlement/license
amounts associated with remedying noncompliance and
restoring an appropriately licensed system;
- costs associated with future installation/upgrade of
software; and
- costs associated with monitoring compliance.
In addition to University disciplinary actions,
individuals who commit copyright infringement are personally
subject to civil and/or criminal sanctions. Temple
University is under no obligation to defend, indemnify or
hold harmless such violators, as acting in violation of
federal law is clearly outside the course and scope of
employment. Furthermore, the University can be expected to
cooperate with law enforcement officials in the
investigation and prosecution of any violator.
Temple University's
Software Policy and
Computer Usage
Policy and a number of resources available to assist you in
understanding software licensing and ensuring compliance
with these policies including Instructional Course
on
Software Licensing and Related General Copyright Law and
Software Management and Compliance Guidelines are
located online at:
http://www.temple.edu/cs/policies.
Please contact the Computer Services Manager of Software Contracts at
(215) 204-6700 should you have any questions or require
assistance. Thank you for your cooperation.
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