Code of Conduct for the Use of Software
Introduction
Under the Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act 1988 the authors of computer software have the same rights as authors of literary works. The use of software, including reproduction, storage or modification, requires the express permission or licence of the copyright owner. Unauthorised use or reproduction constitutes copyright infringement and may result not only in criminal and/or civil proceedings but also action under the University’s disciplinary regulations.
The same principles apply to computer readable datasets and courseware.
Use of software and datasets
The use of any software, licence keys/serial numbers, computer readable dataset, courseware or other similar material (referred to below as the Product) issued or otherwise made available to members of the University is subject to the following conditions:
- Users must not produce, distribute or use unauthorised copies of the Product. This constitutes software piracy which is an act of copyright infringement and is illegal.
- Users must ensure that all the requirements/terms and conditions of the agreements, contracts and licences under which the Product is held will be adhered to. When the Product is provided by the University, copies of the relevant agreements, contracts and licences may be seen by application to the School or Department that made the Product available. Terms and conditions of use for Product made available by IT Services can viewed under the relevant headings at https:// warwick.ac.uk/services/its/servicessupport/software/list/. If the user obtains the Product directly from the publisher, e.g. via download from publisher’s website, then the publisher will provide the terms and conditions prior to installation and users will be asked to read and accept. Users must review & understand these prior to using the Product.
- Users must adhere to all regulations governing the use of any service involved in the provision of access to the Product, whether these services are controlled by the University of Warwick or by some other organisation.
- Users must not remove the Copyright Statement on any copies of the Product.
- Users must ensure the Security and Confidentiality of any copy of the Product released to them and must not make any further copies from it or knowingly permit others to do so, unless permitted to do so under the relevant licence.
- Users may only use the Product for purposes defined, and only on computer systems covered, by the agreement, contract or licence.
- Users may only incorporate the Product, or part thereof, in any work, program or article produced by them where this is permitted by the licence or by "Fair Dealing".
- Users may only incorporate some part or version of the Product in any work produced by them with the express permission of the Licensor or if this is permitted under the Agreement.
- Users must not reverse engineer or decompile the software products or attempt to do so unless this is explicitly permitted within the terms of the Agreement for the use of the Product.
- Users must return or destroy all copies of the Product at the end of the course/year/period of employment or when requested to do so.
The University has the right to scan and inspect computers, storage media and electronic filestore if unauthorised software copying or use is suspected. The University reserves the right to take legal action against individuals who cause it to be involved in legal proceedings as a result of violation of its licensing agreements.
Users of University computing facilities are bound by the University’s regulations and agree to abide by this code of practice and any licence and copyright agreements entered into by the University. Any offences against the University regulations may result in suspension and the instigation of disciplinary procedures as set out in the Regulations.