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. The court ruled that a parody can be considered fair use, even if it is commercially motivated, thus impacting how creative works can be used and transformed without violating copyright protections. This case clarified the boundaries of fair use and emphasized the importance of context when determining whether a work qualifies for such protection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case involved the rap group 2 Live Crew and their song 'Pretty Woman,' which parodied Roy Orbison's hit 'Oh, Pretty Woman.'
2. The Supreme Court's ruling emphasized that commercial intent does not automatically disqualify a work from being considered fair use.
3. The decision highlighted the importance of transformative use, where a new work adds new expression or meaning to the original.
4. The case was pivotal in shaping the understanding of fair use and parody within copyright law and allowed for greater creativity in using existing works.
5. Following this ruling, creators gained more confidence to engage in parody and other transformative uses of copyrighted material without fear of legal repercussions.

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court's ruling in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. redefine the understanding of fair use in copyright law?
  • The Supreme Court's ruling in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. redefined fair use by establishing that parody can be considered fair use even when used for commercial purposes. This decision underscored the importance of analyzing a work's transformative nature and its contribution to commentary or criticism. It shifted the focus away from merely assessing the commercial intent behind a work and placed greater emphasis on how much it transforms or comments on the original.
• Discuss the implications of the Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. decision for creators and artists using existing works.
  • The implications of the Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. decision were significant for creators and artists as it provided them with clearer guidelines regarding their ability to create parodies and transformative works without fear of copyright infringement. By affirming that commercial motivations do not preclude a work from being considered fair use, artists felt more empowered to incorporate existing works into their own creations. This case ultimately fostered a more vibrant culture of creativity where new interpretations and expressions could thrive.
• Evaluate how Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. reflects broader trends in copyright law and intellectual property rights regarding creativity and innovation.
  • Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. reflects broader trends in copyright law and intellectual property rights by emphasizing the balance between protecting original creators and encouraging innovation through transformative use. This case illustrates an evolving understanding that while copyrights safeguard creators' rights, they should not stifle artistic expression and commentary. By allowing parody as a legitimate form of expression within fair use, the ruling supports a creative landscape where new ideas can flourish while still respecting existing intellectual property rights.

Related terms

Fair Use: A legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the rights holders under certain circumstances, such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.

Copyright: A form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to the authors of 'original works of authorship,' including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works.

Parody: A humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing, often used as a form of commentary or critique.