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Copyright

ABOUT COPYRIGHT LAW

Copyright protection extends to original works of authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as books, poetry, novels, movies, songs, photos, computer software, and architecture (as well as text, graphics, and logos).  Copyright infringement occurs when a copyrighted work is reproduced, distributed, performed, displayed, or made into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner. 

Wingate complies with United States copyright law as set forth in Title 17 of the United States Code, Section 106. In the peer-to-peer file-sharing context, unauthorized downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work, such as music, videos, books, games, software or other files, constitutes an infringement. All network users are responsible for using electronic materials in accordance with copyright and licensing restrictions. The use of university resources that violates copyright laws, including downloading or sharing copyright-protected works, is strictly prohibited.

Copyright infringement, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject you to civil and/or criminal liabilities, as well as personal sanctions imposed by Wingate University.

DMCA Notice and Takedown Policy

Wingate University respects the intellectual property rights of others and expects its users to do the same. In accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), we have established the following procedures for receiving and processing notifications of alleged copyright infringement.

How to File a Copyright Infringement Claim

If you believe that your copyrighted work has been copied in a way that constitutes copyright infringement and is accessible via a Wingate University network or website, please provide our Designated Agent with a written notice containing the following information:

  1. A physical or electronic signature of a person authorized to act on behalf of the owner of the copyright interest that is allegedly infringed.
  2. Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed (e.g., a link to your original work or a specific description).
  3. Identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing and information reasonably sufficient to permit the University to locate the material (please provide specific URLs).
  4. Your contact information, including your address, telephone number, and email address.
  5. A statement that you have a good faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.
  6. A statement that the information in the notification is accurate, and under penalty of perjury, that you are authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.

Designated Copyright Agent

All DMCA notices should be sent to Wingate University’s Designated Agent:

Name: General Counsel
Address: Wingate University, P.O. Box 159, Wingate, NC 28174
Phone: 704-233-8019
Email: dmca@wingate.edu

 

Counter-Notification Procedures

If you believe that a notice of copyright infringement has been wrongly filed against you, you may submit a Counter-Notification. To be effective, a Counter-Notification must be a written communication provided to our Designated Agent that includes the following:

  • Your physical or electronic signature.
  • Identification of the material that has been removed or to which access has been disabled and the location at which the material appeared before it was removed.
  • A statement under penalty of perjury that you have a good faith belief that the material was removed or disabled as a result of mistake or misidentification.
  • Your name, address, and telephone number, and a statement that you consent to the jurisdiction of the Federal District Court for the judicial district in which your address is located (or Union County, NC, if your address is outside the U.S.).

Repeat Infringer Policy

In accordance with the DMCA and other applicable law, Wingate University has adopted a policy of terminating, in appropriate circumstances and at the University's sole discretion, the accounts of users who are deemed to be repeat infringers.

Note: This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For more information on U.S. Copyright Law and the DMCA, please visit the U.S. Copyright Office website.

Updated April 16, 2026

If you’d like more information, we invite you to review the copyright section in the Wingate University Student Handbook or visit the United States Copyright Office website. The FAQ page is especially helpful.