Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music

Definition

Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1994 that addressed the issue of fair use in copyright law, specifically regarding the transformative use of a copyrighted work. The court ruled in favor of Campbell, affirming that parody can be considered fair use even if it is used for commercial purposes, thus emphasizing the importance of context and purpose in determining fair use in media content.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case centered around 2 Live Crew's parody version of Roy Orbison's song 'Oh, Pretty Woman,' which Acuff-Rose Music claimed infringed on their copyright.
2. The Supreme Court's decision highlighted that the commercial nature of a work does not automatically disqualify it from being considered fair use.
3. The ruling established that a transformative use—where the new work adds something new, with a further purpose or different character—could qualify for fair use.
4. This case set a precedent for how courts evaluate parody and other transformative works under copyright law.
5. The decision reinforced the notion that balance is needed between protecting creators' rights and allowing freedom of expression in creative works.

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court's ruling in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music impact the understanding of fair use in relation to parody?
  • The Supreme Court's ruling clarified that parody can be considered fair use, even when used for commercial purposes. This emphasized that the transformative nature of a work plays a critical role in determining fair use. By acknowledging that parody adds new meaning and context to the original work, the ruling allowed creators more freedom to engage with existing works without fear of legal repercussions.
• Discuss how Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music influences contemporary media creators when considering the use of existing works in their projects.
  • The case serves as a guiding principle for contemporary media creators by providing clarity on how fair use applies to parody and transformative works. It encourages creators to consider not just whether they are using someone else's work but also how they are using it—specifically whether their work transforms the original. This understanding helps creators navigate potential legal issues when incorporating elements from existing works into their own creative expressions.
• Evaluate the broader implications of Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music on copyright law and media production in today's digital landscape.
  • The implications of Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music extend into today's digital landscape by highlighting the importance of transformative use in copyright law. As media production increasingly relies on remixing and reinterpreting existing content through platforms like social media and video sharing sites, this case reinforces the balance between protecting intellectual property and fostering creative expression. The ruling encourages innovation while reminding creators to carefully consider their works' purpose and context to avoid copyright infringement.

Related terms

Fair Use: A legal doctrine that permits limited use of copyrighted material without acquiring 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 serious piece of literature or writing, which often aims to comment on or critique the original work.

Copyright Infringement: The unauthorized use of copyrighted material in a way that violates the rights of the copyright holder, potentially resulting in legal action.