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, specifically regarding parody. The case involved the hip-hop group 2 Live Crew, which created a parody version of Roy Orbison's song 'Oh, Pretty Woman.' The ruling established that transformative use, such as parody, can qualify as fair use even if it is for commercial purposes, highlighting the balance between copyright protection and freedom of expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of 2 Live Crew, affirming that their parody was a transformative use and thus eligible for fair use protection.
2. The decision clarified that commercial intent does not automatically disqualify a work from being considered fair use.
3. The Court emphasized that the purpose and character of the use should be assessed on a case-by-case basis when determining fair use.
4. This case set a precedent for how parody is treated under copyright law, allowing for greater creative expression in artistic works.
5. Campbell v. Acuff-Rose highlighted the tension between copyright holders wanting to protect their work and creators wanting to innovate or comment through parody.

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court's decision in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music influence the understanding of fair use?
  • The Supreme Court's decision in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music significantly influenced the understanding of fair use by establishing that transformative uses, particularly parody, can qualify for fair use protection even if they are commercial in nature. The ruling emphasized the need to consider the purpose and character of the use rather than just its commercial intent. This case helped clarify that creative expressions that comment on or critique existing works are important for artistic freedom and social discourse.
• Discuss the implications of the ruling on future cases involving parody and copyright infringement.
  • The implications of the ruling in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose are far-reaching for future cases involving parody and copyright infringement. It set a precedent that supports artists' rights to create parodies without fear of legal repercussions solely due to their commercial nature. This has encouraged more creative expression and experimentation in various art forms, allowing artists to engage with existing works while ensuring that courts evaluate each case's unique context to determine if fair use applies.
• Evaluate how Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music illustrates the balance between protecting intellectual property and promoting creative freedom in society.
  • Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music serves as a vital example of balancing intellectual property protection with promoting creative freedom. The Supreme Court recognized that while copyright law aims to protect creators' rights to their original works, it must also allow for transformative uses like parody that contribute to cultural dialogue and artistic innovation. This case reflects an evolving legal landscape where the need for intellectual property rights must coexist with societal interests in creativity and expression, fostering an environment where new ideas can thrive without undue constraints from copyright owners.

Related terms

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

Parody: A humorous or satirical imitation of a particular work, style, or genre that exaggerates characteristics for comedic effect and can sometimes be protected under fair use.

Transformative Use: A key factor in determining fair use that considers whether a new work adds something new, alters the original with new expression, meaning, or message, thereby transforming the original work.