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 transformative nature of a work. The case involved a rap group, 2 Live Crew, who created a parody of Roy Orbison's song 'Oh, Pretty Woman,' which raised important questions about whether the use of a copyrighted work for parody constituted fair use. This case ultimately affirmed that transformative use can be a valid defense against copyright infringement claims.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of 2 Live Crew, stating that their parody was transformative and therefore constituted fair use.
2. The court established that commercial nature does not automatically negate fair use, provided the work is transformative.
3. The decision emphasized the importance of context and purpose in determining whether a work qualifies as fair use.
4. This case set a precedent for future copyright cases involving parodies and other transformative works.
5. The ruling highlighted the balance between protecting copyright holders and encouraging creativity and expression through transformative uses.

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court's decision in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. redefine the understanding of fair use in copyright law?
  • The Supreme Court's decision in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. redefined fair use by emphasizing that transformative use can qualify as fair use, even if the new work is created for commercial purposes. The court acknowledged that parody could serve as commentary or criticism of the original work, thereby fulfilling a societal interest. This shifted the focus from strict adherence to copyright protection towards a more balanced approach that considers creativity and expression alongside rights of copyright holders.
• Discuss how the concepts of parody and transformative use were pivotal in the court's ruling on Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc.
  • In Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc., parody was central to the court's ruling because it served as both a humorous imitation and commentary on the original song. The court recognized that 2 Live Crew's version added new expression and meaning to Roy Orbison's 'Oh, Pretty Woman,' classifying it as transformative use. By establishing this connection between parody and transformative nature, the ruling reinforced that works which critique or satirize originals can be protected under fair use despite being commercially motivated.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. on future cases involving copyright infringement claims related to transformative works.
  • The long-term implications of Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. are significant as they set a legal precedent for how courts evaluate transformative works in copyright infringement cases. By affirming that transformation can justify fair use even in commercial contexts, this decision encourages artists and creators to push boundaries and engage with existing works creatively. Future cases will likely reference this ruling when determining fair use defenses, particularly in areas such as music, film, and literature where parody and adaptation are prevalent.

Related terms

Fair Use: A legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the rights holders, under certain conditions.

Parody: A creative work that humorously imitates another work with the intent to comment on or criticize the original.

Transformative Use: A standard in copyright law that refers to a new work that adds significant new expression, meaning, or message to the original, making it eligible for fair use.