Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc.

Definition

Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. is a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case from 1994 that addressed the concept of fair use in copyright law. The ruling determined that a commercial parody can qualify as fair use, which significantly impacted the balance between copyright protection and freedom of expression, especially in the realm of creative works such as music and art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case arose when 2 Live Crew created a parody of Roy Orbison's song 'Oh, Pretty Woman,' which led to a lawsuit from Acuff-Rose Music claiming copyright infringement.
2. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of 2 Live Crew, stating that their parody constituted fair use because it transformed the original work and added new expression.
3. The ruling emphasized that commercial nature does not automatically negate fair use, challenging previous interpretations of the doctrine.
4. The decision clarified that courts should consider the purpose and character of the use, focusing on whether it is transformative rather than simply derivative.
5. This case set a precedent for future copyright disputes involving parody and other forms of artistic expression, allowing for greater creative freedom.

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court's decision in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music impact the interpretation of fair use in copyright law?
  • The Supreme Court's decision in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music redefined how fair use is interpreted in copyright law by affirming that commercial parodies can qualify as fair use. The Court emphasized that the transformative nature of the work is critical in determining fair use status. This ruling allowed artists to engage in parody without fear of infringing copyright, thus promoting free expression and creativity.
• Discuss how the ruling in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music balances the interests of copyright holders with those of creators who wish to utilize existing works in new contexts.
  • The ruling in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music strikes a balance between protecting copyright holders' rights and allowing creators to utilize existing works creatively through parody. By establishing that commercial parody can be transformative and thereby qualify for fair use, the Court recognized the importance of fostering creativity while still respecting original creators' rights. This balancing act encourages innovation without undermining the incentives for authors to create original works.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music on artistic expression and copyright law in the digital age.
  • The long-term implications of Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music on artistic expression and copyright law are profound, particularly in the digital age where remix culture thrives. By legitimizing commercial parody as fair use, the ruling has empowered creators to engage with existing works in novel ways without excessive fear of litigation. This has fostered a more vibrant cultural landscape where new forms of art and commentary can flourish, influencing everything from music sampling to online memes. However, it also raises ongoing questions about how far creators can go in transforming original works while navigating copyright complexities in an increasingly interconnected world.

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, or research.

Copyright: A form of intellectual property law that grants the creator of original works exclusive rights to their use and distribution, usually for a limited time.

Parody: A humorous or satirical imitation of a particular writer, artist, or genre, often used to comment on or criticize the original work.