copyright infringement

I.Objective:

CarolinaConnect complies with the Online Copyright Infringement Liability Act of 1998 (17 USC 512). As required by that Act, this policy reserves the right for CarolinaConnect to terminate the internet service of members who repeatedly infringe copyrights.

II.Policy:

Pursuant the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”), copyright owners may notify a service provider such as CarolinaConnect of alleged copyright infringement carried out on the provider’s network.

When CAROLINACONNECT receives a notification of copyright infringement, it will take the following steps:

  1. 1.First warning – Letter is sent to member notifying them of their copyright infringement and violation of CAROLINACONNECT’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and Terms & Conditions of Service (T&C).
  2. 2.Second warning – If there is a second offense, a second warning will be sent. This letter will notify the member of their copyright infringement and violation of CAROLINACONNECT’s AUP and T&C.
  3. 3.Final warning – If there is a third offense, CAROLINACONNECT will issue a final warning letter to the member. This letter will be sent via certified mail. This letter will notify the member of their copyright infringement and violation of CAROLINACONNECT’s AUP and T&C.
  4. 4.Notice of termination – If there is a fourth offense, CAROLINACONNECT will terminate the service and send a letter to the member via certified mail. This letter will notify the member that their account has been terminated effective immediately and that equipment should be returned to CAROLINACONNECT.

CAROLINACONNECT reserves the right act immediately and without notice to suspend or terminate services in response to a court order or other legal requirement that certain conduct be stopped, or when CAROLINACONNECT determines that the conduct may:

  • Expose CAROLINACONNECT to sanctions, prosecution or civil action;
  • Cause harm to or interfere with the integrity or normal operations of CAROLINACONNECT’s network or facilities;
  • Interfere with another person’s use of CAROLINACONNECT Services or the Internet;
  • Damage or disparage the reputation of CAROLINACONNECT or its services; or
  • Otherwise present a risk of harm to CAROLINACONNECT or CAROLINACONNECT’s customers or their employees, officers, directors, agents, or other representatives.

III.Record Retention:

All Copyright Infringement Notifications and supporting documentation shall be kept in a vault at CAROLINACONNECT headquarters for five years.

All correspondence with the member shall be retained in CAROLINACONNECT’s imaging system for a minimum of five years.

IV.Responsibility:

The IT/Network Manager is listed as the FCC and ISP Designated Agent and will be the primary point of contact for all Copyright Infringement Notifications. This position, with the help of IT and customer support, is responsible for carrying out the steps of this policy.

V.Copyright Infringement Contact Information

If you have questions about this Copyright Infringement Policy please contact us at the following:

Email: copyright@carolinaconnect.com

CarolinaConnect
P.O Box 1667
Lexington, South Carolina 29071
Attention: Designated Copyright Agent