Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc.

Definition

Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. is a landmark 1994 U.S. Supreme Court case that addressed the issue of fair use in copyright law. The ruling confirmed that a commercial parody can qualify as fair use, emphasizing the importance of considering the transformative nature of a work when determining copyright infringement, which is crucial in discussions around copyright and intellectual property.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case involved the rap group 2 Live Crew, who created a parody of Roy Orbison's song 'Oh, Pretty Woman' without permission from Acuff-Rose Music.
2. The Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of 2 Live Crew, stating that their version was transformative and added new meaning to the original work.
3. The decision highlighted that commercial purposes do not automatically negate a claim of fair use, challenging previous assumptions in copyright cases.
4. This case set a precedent for future copyright disputes involving parodies, making it clear that parody can be considered fair use even when done for profit.
5. The ruling also reinforced the importance of evaluating each case individually based on its specific circumstances and how it relates to the four factors of fair use.

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court's decision in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. redefine the understanding of fair use in copyright law?
  • The Supreme Court's decision in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. redefined fair use by confirming that commercial parodies can qualify as fair use if they are transformative. The Court emphasized the importance of considering whether a new work adds new expression or meaning to the original rather than merely replicating it. This shift allowed for more creativity and freedom in artistic expressions while still respecting copyright protections.
• Discuss the implications of the Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. ruling on future copyright cases involving parodies and transformative works.
  • The implications of Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. on future copyright cases are significant as it established a precedent for recognizing parodies as potentially transformative works that can be protected under fair use. This ruling opened the door for artists to create parodic content without fear of legal repercussions solely due to commercial intent. Courts now have a clearer framework to analyze whether a work is transformative and how this affects its classification under fair use.
• Evaluate the role of commercial intent in the Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. decision and its broader impact on copyright law.
  • In Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc., the role of commercial intent was examined critically, as the Supreme Court determined that producing a parody for profit does not inherently disqualify it from being considered fair use. This broader impact reshaped how courts interpret commercial intent in copyright law, suggesting that artistic transformation and societal benefits can outweigh concerns over profit motives. As a result, this case has influenced subsequent rulings by allowing greater leeway for creators who wish to engage in parody or commentary on existing works, fostering a richer landscape for artistic expression.

Related terms

Fair Use: A legal doctrine that permits limited use of copyrighted material without requiring permission from the rights holders.

Transformative Use: A concept within copyright law that describes when a new work adds new expression or meaning to an existing work, potentially qualifying it for fair use.

Copyright Infringement: The unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of copyrighted material, which can lead to legal consequences for the infringer.