DMCA Information

Norfolk State University (NSU) respects the intellectual property rights of others and complies with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), 17 U.S.C. § 512. As part of its mission to provide reliable, secure, and lawful information technology services, NSU follows the DMCA safe harbor provisions applicable to institutions that provide network access, web hosting, and online services to students, faculty, staff, and authorized users.

regulations and Policies

In accordance with the DMCA and Norfolk State University's #32-01 - Acceptable Use of Technological Resources Policy, unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material and unauthorized peer-to-peer sharing may be subject to civil and criminal liabilities, as well as disciplinary actions thriough the University. 

Designated DMCA Agent

In accordance with the DMCA, Norfolk State University has designated an agent to receive notifications of alleged copyright infringement. The designated agent is registered with the U.S. Copyright Office and contact information is maintained on file and made publicly available.

DMCA Agent Contact Information
Title/Office: [Designated Office or Role]
Address: Norfolk State University, 700 Park Ave., Norfolk, VA 23504
Email: [dmca@nsu.edu or appropriate address]
Phone: [Phone Number]

Submitting a DMCA Takedown Notice

Copyright owners or their authorized agents who believe that copyrighted material has been used or posted on NSU systems without authorization may submit a written DMCA notification to the designated agent. A valid DMCA notice must include:

• A physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or authorized agent
• Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed
• Identification of the allegedly infringing material and its location
• Contact information for the complaining party
• A statement of good-faith belief that the use is not authorized
• A statement that the information provided is accurate and made under penalty of perjury

University Response to Notices

Upon receipt of a complete and valid DMCA notice, NSU will promptly review the submission and take appropriate action in accordance with the law. This may include:

• Removing or disabling access to the allegedly infringing material
• Notifying the individual responsible for the content
• Applying temporary or permanent network access restrictions where appropriate

Counter-Notification Procedure

If a user believes that material was removed or disabled as a result of mistake or misidentification, the user may submit a counter-notification to the designated DMCA agent. Counter-notifications must include the information required by 17 U.S.C. § 512(g). For more information, see Understanding the DMCA's Counter Notification Process.

Education and Copyright Awareness

NSU is committed to educating its community about copyright law and responsible use of digital materials. The University provides guidance, policies, and resources related to copyright compliance and lawful use of copyrighted works through the Lyman Beecher Brooks Library's Copyright Resources page.