Intellectual Property Policy
This Intellectual Property Policy was last updated on March 22, 2025.
Abia State University E-Learning respects intellectual property rights and expects all users—students, instructors, and third parties—to do the same. This Intellectual Property Policy outlines how we handle copyright, trademarks, and other intellectual property rights related to the content on our platform.
By using our Services, you agree to comply with this policy and applicable intellectual property laws.
Table of Contents
- 1. Ownership of Content
- 2. Copyright Policy
- 3. Trademark Policy
- 4. Reporting Copyright or Trademark Infringement
- 5. Consequences of Violation
- 6. Appeals Process
- 7. Updates to This Policy
1. Ownership of Content
All educational materials, course content, video lectures, assessments, and resources provided on the Abia State University E-Learning platform are the intellectual property of the university or its licensors.
Instructors who upload materials grant the university a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, distribute, and display the content for educational purposes.
Students are granted a limited, non-transferable license to access and use course content for personal learning and academic purposes only.
1.1 University-Owned Content
All educational materials, including but not limited to course videos, lecture notes, assessments, discussion materials, and digital resources, are the intellectual property of Abia State University or its authorized licensors. The university retains full rights to modify, distribute, and use these materials in accordance with academic and institutional policies.
1.2 Instructor-Contributed Content
Instructors who upload materials to the platform grant Abia State University a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, distribute, reproduce, display, and adapt their content for academic purposes. This license allows the university to enhance, update, or modify course content as needed to maintain the quality and relevance of the learning experience.
Instructors retain ownership of their original content unless they enter into a separate agreement transferring full rights to the university. However, instructors may not remove or restrict access to their content once it has been integrated into university courses without prior approval.
1.3 Student-Generated Content
Students may submit assignments, discussion posts, and other learning materials as part of their coursework. By submitting such content, students grant the university a limited license to use, display, and distribute their work strictly for educational and academic purposes.
Students retain ownership of their original work, but they are prohibited from redistributing, reselling, or publicly sharing course materials provided by the university or instructors without explicit permission.
1.4 Restrictions on Use of Content
Users (students, instructors, and third parties) may not:
Copy, distribute, modify, or reproduce course materials for commercial use.
Sell or publicly share any content obtained from the platform.
Use course content outside the university’s academic environment without explicit permission.
Violations of these ownership terms may result in account suspension, legal action, or other disciplinary measures.
2. Copyright Policy
We respect copyright laws and respond to claims of copyright infringement in compliance with applicable regulations. If you believe that any content on our platform infringes your copyright, you may submit a Copyright Infringement Notice as described in Section 5 below.
2.1 Respect for Copyright
Abia State University respects intellectual property rights and expects all users—students, instructors, and third parties—to do the same. All content available on the university’s e-learning platform, including but not limited to text, images, videos, audio, and course materials, is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of copyrighted content is strictly prohibited.
2.2 Copyright Ownership
University-Created Content: The university owns the copyright to all original educational materials, including lectures, assessments, and multimedia resources created by its faculty and staff.
Instructor-Contributed Content: Instructors retain ownership of their original content but grant the university a license to use, modify, and distribute it for academic purposes.
Student-Generated Content: Students own the copyright to their original submissions, but by submitting work to the platform, they grant the university a limited right to use it for educational purposes.
Third-Party Content: Any external content used in courses must comply with copyright laws. Instructors and students must obtain permission or use content under fair use, open-access, or Creative Commons licenses.
2.3 Prohibited Copyright Violations
Users of the e-learning platform are prohibited from:
Uploading, sharing, or distributing copyrighted materials without permission.
Using university content for commercial purposes or distributing it outside the institution.
Modifying, copying, or republishing course materials without authorization.
Plagiarizing or claiming ownership of work that is not theirs.
2.4 Copyright Infringement and Reporting
If you believe that copyrighted material has been used on the platform without proper authorization, you may file a copyright infringement complaint by providing the following details:
Identification of the copyrighted work that has been infringed.
The specific location (URL or course name) of the infringing material.
Contact information of the complainant.
A statement affirming that the complainant has a good-faith belief that the use of the material is unauthorized.
A statement confirming the accuracy of the complaint and the complainant’s authorization to act on behalf of the copyright owner.
2.5 Consequences of Copyright Violations
Violating this policy may result in:
Removal of infringing content.
Account suspension or termination.
Disciplinary action under university regulations.
Legal consequences in accordance with copyright laws.
3. Trademark Policy
The Abia State University E-Learning logo, name, and other branding elements are protected under trademark law.
Users may not use the university’s trademarks without prior written permission, except for academic citations or permitted use under applicable law.
3.1 Respect for Trademarks
Abia State University respects trademark rights and expects all users—students, instructors, and third parties—to do the same. Trademarks, logos, and branding elements associated with the university’s e-learning platform, as well as those of affiliated institutions and partners, are legally protected and may not be used without proper authorization.
3.2 University-Owned Trademarks
The university’s name, logo, slogan, course titles, and other brand elements are registered trademarks of Abia State University. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, modification, or distribution of these trademarks is strictly prohibited.
Permitted uses include:
Official university communications and materials.
Academic presentations, research papers, and authorized promotional materials.
University-approved partnerships and collaborations.
Prohibited uses include:
Using the university’s trademarks in a way that misrepresents an individual’s affiliation with the institution.
Creating derivative logos or branding materials without permission.
Using the trademarks for commercial purposes without explicit authorization.
3.3 Third-Party Trademarks
Some courses, research materials, or learning resources may reference third-party trademarks, such as company logos, software names, or product brands. The use of third-party trademarks must comply with fair use principles, licensing agreements, and applicable trademark laws. Users must not:
Falsely imply endorsement or affiliation with trademark owners.
Use third-party trademarks in course content without permission.
Modify or misuse trademarks in a misleading manner.
3.4 Reporting Trademark Violations
If you believe that a trademark is being used improperly on the Abia State University e-learning platform, you may submit a trademark complaint with the following details:
The specific trademark in question.
The location (URL, course name, or document) where the unauthorized use occurs.
Proof of ownership or authorized use of the trademark.
A statement confirming that you have a good-faith belief that the use of the trademark is unauthorized.
Your contact information and a signature verifying the accuracy of your complaint.
3.5 Consequences of Trademark Infringement
Trademark violations may result in:
Removal of infringing content.
Account suspension or termination.
Legal consequences under applicable trademark laws.
For any questions or trademark-related requests, please contact the Abia State University E-Learning Legal & Compliance Team.
4. Reporting Copyright or Trademark Infringement
Abia State University is committed to protecting intellectual property rights, including copyrights and trademarks. If you believe that any content on our e-learning platform infringes on your copyright or trademark rights, you can submit a formal complaint to request removal of the infringing material.
4.1 Filing a Copyright or Trademark Complaint
If you are the owner of a copyright or trademark (or authorized to act on behalf of the owner) and believe that your intellectual property has been used without permission, you must provide the following information in your complaint:
Identification of the Infringed Work
For copyright claims: Clearly describe the original copyrighted work that you believe has been infringed (e.g., book, video, lecture notes, or course materials).
For trademark claims: Specify the registered trademark being infringed (e.g., brand name, logo, slogan).
Location of the Infringing Material
Provide specific details about where the infringing content is located on the e-learning platform (e.g., course title, instructor name, document link, or video timestamp).
Proof of Ownership
Copyright: Provide a copy of the original work or details of its registration with a copyright office (if applicable).
Trademark: Include evidence of trademark registration, such as a certificate from the Nigerian Trademarks Registry or a relevant intellectual property office.
Your Contact Information
Full Name
Organization (if applicable)
Address
Email
Phone Number
Statement of Good Faith
A declaration that you have a good-faith belief that the use of the material is unauthorized by the owner, their agent, or the law.
Legal Statement & Signature
A statement affirming that the information provided is accurate and that you are the copyright or trademark owner (or authorized to act on behalf of the owner).
A physical or electronic signature.
4.2 University’s Response to Complaints
Once a complaint is received:
The university will review the claim and verify its validity.
If the claim is valid, the infringing content may be removed or restricted.
The alleged infringer may be notified and given the opportunity to respond.
Repeat offenders may face account suspension or termination.
4.3 Counter-Notification for Disputed Claims
If you believe your content was wrongly removed due to a false claim, you may submit a counter-notification. This must include:
Your name, contact details, and a statement under penalty of perjury that the removal was a mistake.
Details of the removed content and where it was previously available.
A declaration of consent to jurisdiction in Nigeria for legal disputes.
If a counter-notification is valid, the content may be restored unless the original complainant takes legal action within a specified period.
5. Consequences of Violation
Abia State University takes intellectual property rights seriously. Any violation of our Intellectual Property Policy, including unauthorized use of copyrighted or trademarked materials, will result in disciplinary actions. The consequences of such violations may include the following:
5.1 Content Removal and Account Actions
Immediate Removal: Infringing content will be removed or restricted from the university’s e-learning platform.
Warnings and Notices: The user responsible for the infringement may receive a formal warning and be required to acknowledge the violation.
Temporary Suspension: Repeated or serious violations may result in temporary suspension of the user’s account, restricting access to courses, teaching privileges, or other platform features.
Permanent Ban: Severe or multiple violations may lead to permanent termination of the user’s access to the platform.
5.2 Academic and Disciplinary Consequences
For students, faculty, and staff, intellectual property violations may result in:
Academic penalties, including failing grades for assignments or courses where plagiarism or infringement is detected.
Disciplinary actions, such as warnings, probation, suspension, or expulsion from the university (for students).
Employment consequences, including suspension or termination of contracts (for faculty and staff).
5.3 Legal Consequences
Infringement of intellectual property rights may also result in legal consequences, including:
Civil Liability: The university or affected rights holders may seek financial compensation for damages caused by the unauthorized use of their intellectual property.
Criminal Charges: In cases of willful copyright or trademark infringement, violators may face prosecution under Nigerian intellectual property laws, which could result in fines or imprisonment.
5.4 Reporting and Appeals
Reporting Violations: Any user who suspects an intellectual property violation can report it to the E-Learning Support Team.
Appeals Process: If a user believes their content was wrongly removed or their account was unfairly penalized, they may submit an appeal with supporting evidence to the university’s designated review committee.
By using the Abia State University E-Learning Platform, you acknowledge and agree to comply with these rules. Failure to do so may result in the enforcement of these consequences.
6. Appeals Process
Abia State University recognizes that disputes may arise regarding intellectual property violations. To ensure fairness, we provide a structured Appeals Process for users who believe they have been wrongly accused of infringement or whose content has been unjustly removed.
6.1 Grounds for Appeal
Users may submit an appeal if:
They believe their content was mistakenly identified as infringing.
They have the legal right or authorization to use the disputed content.
They have obtained proper permissions but failed to provide proof initially.
They believe the disciplinary action taken against them was excessive or unfair.
6.2 Submitting an Appeal
Users must submit an appeal in writing within 7 days of receiving notice of the violation. Appeals should be sent to the University Legal Office or the E-Learning Support Team via the official university communication channels.
The appeal must include:
Full Name and University ID (if applicable).
Details of the disputed content (course title, material, or platform section affected).
Explanation of why the content is not infringing or why the action taken was unfair.
Supporting evidence, such as proof of ownership, permission from the original creator, or fair use justification.
6.3 Review and Decision Process
Initial Review (Within 5 Business Days): The E-Learning Support Team and the Legal Office will review the appeal and supporting evidence.
Consultation with Experts (If Needed): If necessary, intellectual property specialists or relevant faculty members may be consulted.
Decision Notification (Within 10 Business Days): A formal response will be provided to the user, stating whether the appeal has been granted, denied, or requires further review.
6.4 Possible Outcomes
Appeal Granted:
The content will be restored, and any penalties will be reversed.
A notification will be sent to confirm reinstatement.
Appeal Denied:
The user must comply with the decision, and the violation will remain in effect.
No further appeals may be submitted unless new evidence is presented.
Further Review Required:
If additional information is needed, the university may extend the review period and request more details from the user.
6.5 Final Decision and Escalation
If a user disagrees with the final decision, they may request a secondary review by the University Disciplinary Committee (for students and staff) or seek legal counsel for external resolution.
The University’s decision is final, except where legal action is pursued through the appropriate authorities.
By using the Abia State University E-Learning Platform, you acknowledge and agree to this Appeals Process. If you have further questions, please contact the E-Learning Support Team.
7. Updates to This Policy
Abia State University reserves the right to update, modify, or amend this Intellectual Property Policy at any time to reflect changes in laws, regulations, or university policies. Any changes will be communicated to users in the following ways:
7.1 Notification of Changes
When updates are made to this policy, the university will:
Publish the revised policy on the official Abia State University E-Learning Platform.
Send email notifications to registered users, including students, instructors, and administrators.
Post an announcement on the university website and relevant social media channels.
7.2 Effective Date of Changes
Policy updates will take effect immediately upon publication, unless otherwise stated.
Continued use of the E-Learning Platform after an update constitutes acceptance of the new terms.
If any user disagrees with the changes, they may discontinue use of the services or contact the E-Learning Support Team for clarification.
7.3 Review and Compliance
To ensure transparency, this policy will be reviewed annually or as required by intellectual property laws. Users are encouraged to check the policy regularly to stay informed of their rights and responsibilities.
