Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc.

Definition

Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. is a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case decided in 1994 that addressed the concept of fair use in copyright law. The case involved the rap group 2 Live Crew, who created a parody of the song 'Oh, Pretty Woman' without permission from Acuff-Rose Music, the song's publisher. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled that their parody was a form of fair use, emphasizing that transformative uses can qualify for fair use protection even when they are commercial in nature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court's decision in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose emphasized that commercial intent does not automatically negate fair use; transformative works can still be protected.
2. The case arose when 2 Live Crew used a substantial portion of the original song in their parody but altered it enough to provide new expression and meaning.
3. The ruling set a precedent for future copyright cases involving parody and transformative use, influencing how courts interpret fair use.
4. The decision highlighted the importance of considering the purpose and character of the use when evaluating claims of fair use.
5. Campbell v. Acuff-Rose underscored that the public benefit derived from parodies can outweigh potential economic harm to the original creator.

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court define transformative use in the context of Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc., and what implications did this have for fair use?
  • In Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc., the Supreme Court defined transformative use as the extent to which a new work adds to or alters the original work's message or purpose. This was significant because it established that even commercial works could qualify as fair use if they transform the original material in a meaningful way. The ruling clarified that courts must consider how much a new work changes or comments on the original rather than solely focusing on whether it is commercially driven.
• What role did parody play in the decision of Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc., and how did this influence future cases regarding copyright and fair use?
  • Parody played a central role in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc., as the Supreme Court recognized it as a form of expression protected under fair use. The decision affirmed that parodies could serve as critical commentary on original works, thus encouraging creativity and free speech. This precedent influenced future copyright cases by establishing that parodies, even when commercial, could not be dismissed outright as infringing on copyright due to their transformative nature.
• Evaluate the broader impact of Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. on copyright law and its interpretation of fair use in creative industries.
  • The ruling in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. significantly shaped copyright law by reinforcing the notion that fair use is not strictly limited to non-commercial uses and can include transformative commercial works. This shift has encouraged creativity within various artistic fields by allowing creators to engage with existing works more freely through parody and satire. The case has also prompted ongoing discussions about balancing intellectual property rights with public interest in fostering creativity and innovation across media platforms.

Related terms

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

Parody: A work that humorously imitates or exaggerates another work to create a comedic effect or critique, often protected as a form of fair use.

Transformative Use: A key factor in determining fair use, referring to how much a new work adds to or changes the original work's purpose or message.