Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc.

Definition

Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1994 that established important precedents for the Fair Use Doctrine in copyright law, particularly as it pertains to transformative works. The case involved the rap group 2 Live Crew and their parody of Roy Orbison's song 'Oh, Pretty Woman,' leading to a ruling that determined transformative use can qualify for fair use even if it has a commercial purpose. This decision significantly impacted the way copyright law interacts with artistic expression and creativity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled that the parody by 2 Live Crew was transformative because it added new expression and meaning to the original song.
2. This case emphasized that commercial intent does not automatically disqualify a work from being considered fair use.
3. The decision established a clearer understanding of how courts assess transformative use in relation to copyright law.
4. The ruling indicated that parodies are an important form of artistic expression and deserve protection under fair use.
5. The case highlighted the balance between protecting copyright holders and promoting creativity and innovation in the arts.

Review Questions

• How did Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. shape the understanding of transformative use within the Fair Use Doctrine?
  • The case clarified that transformative use is a key factor in determining fair use, particularly for works that offer new insights or critiques. By ruling in favor of 2 Live Crew, the Supreme Court underscored that adding new meaning or expression, such as through parody, qualifies for protection under fair use, even when done for commercial purposes. This decision encouraged creative reinterpretations of existing works while still respecting copyright protections.
• What implications did the ruling in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. have for artists who wish to engage with existing copyrighted works?
  • The ruling provided artists with more leeway to create transformative works, including parodies and remixes, without fear of infringing on copyright laws. By affirming that commercial intent does not negate the possibility of fair use, the court empowered creators to push boundaries while respecting original works. This case set a precedent that helps artists navigate their rights when engaging with prior art, fostering a more dynamic environment for artistic expression.
• Evaluate how Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. impacts the relationship between copyright law and artistic freedom in contemporary culture.
  • The case fundamentally redefined the balance between protecting copyright holders and allowing artistic freedom in contemporary culture. It affirmed that transformative works play a critical role in creativity and cultural discourse, encouraging innovation while maintaining respect for original creators. By legitimizing parody and other forms of reinterpretation as fair use, this ruling has had a lasting impact on how artists interact with existing content, shaping practices across music, visual arts, and digital media today.

Related terms

Fair Use:

A legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without obtaining permission from the rights holders, provided certain criteria are met.

Transformative Use: A type of fair use that occurs when a work adds new expression or meaning to the original, thereby altering its purpose or character.

Copyright:

A form of intellectual property protection that grants creators exclusive rights to their original works, preventing unauthorized reproduction and distribution.