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 the unauthorized parody of a copyrighted work. The case involved the hip-hop group 2 Live Crew, which created a parody of Roy Orbison's song 'Oh, Pretty Woman.' The Court ruled that parody could qualify as fair use, emphasizing that transformative works should be considered under this doctrine.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled that parody can be considered fair use if it comments on or criticizes the original work, allowing for creative expression.
2. In Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc., the Court emphasized the importance of considering whether the new work is transformative compared to the original.
3. The decision set a significant precedent for future cases involving parodies and creative works in the realm of copyright law.
4. The case highlighted the balance between protecting original creators and allowing for artistic freedom through parody and commentary.
5. Justice David Souter delivered the opinion of the Court, which ultimately favored 2 Live Crew in their right to create a parody of 'Oh, Pretty Woman.'

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court's ruling in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. redefine the concept of fair use?
  • The Supreme Court's ruling in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. redefined fair use by establishing that parody can be a legitimate form of fair use if it transforms the original work and provides commentary or criticism. The decision clarified that transformative works are given more leeway under fair use standards. This case demonstrated that not all uses of copyrighted material are infringements when they contribute new expression or meaning.
• Discuss the implications of transformative use as established in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. on future copyright cases.
  • The implications of transformative use from Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. on future copyright cases are significant. It created a clearer standard for evaluating whether a work is transformative enough to qualify for fair use. This precedent allows creators more freedom to engage with existing works through parody and commentary while still acknowledging the rights of original creators. It has led to a greater understanding among artists about how they can creatively engage with copyrighted material without infringing on copyrights.
• Evaluate how Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. contributes to the ongoing debate about copyright laws and artistic expression in digital media.
  • Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. contributes to the ongoing debate about copyright laws and artistic expression in digital media by reinforcing the importance of transformative use in an era where remix culture thrives. The case underscores the need for flexibility in copyright law to accommodate new forms of artistic expression emerging in digital spaces. As creators increasingly blend original works with their own ideas online, this ruling helps establish boundaries that protect both creative freedom and intellectual property rights, fostering an environment where innovation can flourish without fear of overreach from copyright holders.

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 type of fair use where the new work adds something new, with a further purpose or different character, thereby altering the original with new expression, meaning, or message.

Copyright Infringement: The unauthorized use of copyrighted material in a way that violates one of the copyright holder's exclusive rights, potentially leading to legal consequences.