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 relating to the use of a parody in a commercial context. The case involved the rap group 2 Live Crew and their satirical version of Roy Orbison's song 'Oh, Pretty Woman.' The Supreme Court ultimately ruled that parodies can qualify as fair use, even if they are created for commercial purposes, which has significant implications for the relationship between copyright law and artistic expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of 2 Live Crew, stating that their parody of 'Oh, Pretty Woman' was transformative and provided social commentary.
2. The case clarified the application of the fair use doctrine in the context of commercial parody, distinguishing it from mere copying.
3. This decision highlighted the importance of considering the purpose and character of the use when evaluating fair use claims.
4. The ruling emphasized that parody can serve as an important form of artistic expression deserving protection under copyright law.
5. Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music has since been cited in various cases involving fair use and continues to influence how courts analyze copyright issues.

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court's ruling in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music shape the understanding of fair use in relation to parody?
  • The Supreme Court's ruling established that parody can be considered fair use even when it is used commercially. This changed how courts evaluate the purpose and character of a work when assessing fair use claims. The decision reinforced the idea that transformative works, such as parodies, contribute to public discourse and deserve protection under copyright law.
• Discuss the implications of the Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music ruling on future cases involving copyright infringement and artistic expression.
  • The ruling has significant implications for future copyright infringement cases by providing a clearer framework for analyzing fair use involving parodies. It allows artists more freedom to critique or comment on existing works without fear of legal repercussions. This decision supports artistic expression while balancing copyright interests, encouraging innovation and creativity in various forms of media.
• Evaluate how Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music reflects broader tensions between copyright protection and freedom of expression in the arts.
  • Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music illustrates the ongoing struggle between protecting creators' rights under copyright law and fostering an environment that promotes free expression through artistic works. The Supreme Court's decision highlights that while copyright seeks to incentivize creativity by granting exclusive rights, it must also allow room for parody and commentary, which are vital for cultural discourse. This case serves as a precedent that acknowledges the necessity of balance between these competing interests in today's diverse media landscape.

Related terms

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

Parody: A humorous or satirical imitation of a particular writer, artist, or genre, often used as a form of commentary or critique.

Copyright Law: A body of law that grants creators exclusive rights to their original works, including music, literature, and art, while balancing the need for public access to those works.