Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc.

Definition

Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1994 that addressed the issue of fair use in copyright law. The case revolved around the hip-hop group 2 Live Crew's parody of Roy Orbison's song 'Oh, Pretty Woman,' which raised questions about the boundaries of copyright protection and the transformative nature of artistic expression. This ruling significantly shaped how fair use is interpreted in managing intellectual property and copyright issues, particularly in the context of parody and social commentary.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of 2 Live Crew, stating their parody was a transformative use that qualified as fair use.
2. The case clarified that commercial intent does not automatically negate fair use; even for profit-driven works, transformative aspects can warrant protection.
3. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg authored a notable opinion emphasizing the importance of considering the purpose and character of the use.
4. The decision established a precedent for future cases involving parodies and other forms of artistic expression that borrow from existing works.
5. The case highlights the ongoing tension between protecting intellectual property rights and fostering creativity in cultural production.

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court's ruling in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. impact the understanding of fair use in copyright law?
  • The ruling clarified that parody can be considered transformative under fair use standards, thus allowing artists greater freedom to comment on and critique existing works without fear of infringement. By emphasizing the importance of artistic expression over strict copyright enforcement, the Court set a precedent for similar cases. This has had lasting implications for creators who wish to engage with existing cultural products in their work.
• Discuss the role of commercial intent in the context of Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc., and how it relates to fair use determinations.
  • In this case, the Supreme Court determined that commercial intent does not automatically disqualify a work from being considered fair use. The Court acknowledged that while 2 Live Crew’s version was created for profit, its transformative nature justified its fair use status. This means that even works produced with commercial aims can still fall under fair use if they provide new meaning or message, thereby influencing how future copyright cases assess commercial uses.
• Evaluate the implications of Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. for future cases involving transformative use and parody in creative works.
  • The decision from Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. has significant implications for future copyright cases involving transformative use and parody. By establishing a legal framework that prioritizes transformative aspects over mere replication, it encourages artists to create works that critique or build upon existing material. This can foster greater cultural dialogue and innovation while balancing the rights of original creators with those who wish to reinterpret their works. As a result, this case has become a cornerstone reference point for understanding how creativity interacts with copyright law.

Related terms

Fair Use: A legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without needing permission from the rights holders, typically for purposes like criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.

Transformative Use: A concept within fair use that refers to the extent to which a new work adds new expression or meaning to the original work, thus justifying its use without permission.

Copyright Infringement: The unauthorized use of copyrighted material in a way that violates the rights of the copyright holder, which can lead to legal consequences.