Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc.

Definition

Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1994 that addressed the issue of fair use in copyright law, particularly in relation to parody. The case involved rapper 2 Live Crew's use of Roy Orbison's song 'Oh, Pretty Woman' in a satirical version, raising questions about whether their adaptation constituted fair use. The ruling reinforced the notion that transformative works, especially those that add new expression or meaning, could be protected under fair use even if they utilize copyrighted material.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled that 2 Live Crew's parody of 'Oh, Pretty Woman' was transformative and thus protected under the fair use doctrine.
2. This case was significant because it clarified that commercial intent does not automatically negate a finding of fair use if the work is transformative.
3. The Court emphasized that parody can provide social benefits by contributing to public discourse and cultural commentary.
4. Campbell v. Acuff-Rose was one of the first Supreme Court cases to address the fair use doctrine in a way that directly impacted the music industry and artists using existing works.
5. The ruling established a more lenient standard for parodies, promoting artistic expression while still respecting the rights of original creators.

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court's ruling in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. influence the concept of fair use in copyright law?
  • The Supreme Court's ruling clarified that parody can be considered transformative and thus protected under fair use. This decision impacted how courts evaluate whether a new work adds new expression or meaning when using copyrighted material. By establishing that commercial intent does not automatically undermine fair use claims if the work is transformative, it encouraged artists to create parodies and commentaries on existing works without fear of infringement.
• What criteria did the Supreme Court apply to determine whether 2 Live Crew's song qualified as transformative use?
  • In determining whether 2 Live Crew's song qualified as transformative use, the Supreme Court examined several factors including the purpose and character of the use, which focused on whether it added new expression or meaning. The Court noted that while 2 Live Crew's version was commercial, it served a different purpose by offering social commentary and humor. This analysis established a precedent for evaluating other cases involving parodies and remixes in terms of their transformative qualities.
• Evaluate the broader implications of Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. for artists creating derivative works within the film industry.
  • The implications of Campbell v. Acuff-Rose extend beyond music to impact filmmakers and creators in various media, allowing them to draw inspiration from existing works without fear of litigation as long as their adaptations are transformative. The ruling supports creativity by affirming that works which contribute new perspectives or critique original content can be legally protected under fair use. This encourages innovative storytelling and allows filmmakers to engage with cultural texts in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences while fostering artistic dialogue.

Related terms

Fair Use:

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

Transformative Use: A category of fair use that occurs when a new work adds something new, with a further purpose or different character, and does not substitute for the original work.

Copyright Infringement: The unauthorized use of copyrighted material that violates the rights granted to the copyright holder under the law.