Campbell v. Acuff-Rose

Definition

Campbell v. Acuff-Rose is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1994 that determined the boundaries of fair use in copyright law, specifically in relation to parody. The ruling clarified that a work could be considered transformative and thus qualify for fair use, even if it closely resembles the original, provided it adds new expression or meaning. This case is crucial for video artists as it sets important precedents for using existing copyrighted material in new and creative ways.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Campbell, affirming that parody can qualify as fair use even if it uses a significant portion of the original work.
2. The case involved the rap group 2 Live Crew and their parody of Roy Orbison's song 'Oh, Pretty Woman', which raised questions about how much of the original work could be used in a transformative context.
3. The Court emphasized the importance of the purpose and character of the use, particularly whether it is commercial or non-commercial.
4. Campbell v. Acuff-Rose established a four-factor test for determining fair use, focusing on purpose, nature, amount used, and effect on the market.
5. This case has had a lasting impact on the fields of art and media, influencing how artists approach copyright and fair use in their work.

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court's decision in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose redefine the concept of fair use in copyright law?
  • The Supreme Court's decision in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose redefined fair use by establishing that parody can qualify as transformative use even when it closely resembles the original work. The ruling highlighted that adding new expression or meaning to a work is crucial for fair use claims. The case set a precedent that allowed artists to engage with existing copyrighted materials without fear of infringement, provided their work meets the criteria for transformation and commentary.
• What role does transformative use play in determining fair use as highlighted by Campbell v. Acuff-Rose?
  • Transformative use plays a central role in determining fair use, as established in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose. The Supreme Court clarified that if a new work adds significant new expression or meaning to the original work, it can be considered transformative and thus eligible for fair use protections. This concept encourages creativity and innovation by allowing artists to reinterpret existing works while minimizing concerns over copyright infringement.
• Evaluate the implications of Campbell v. Acuff-Rose on video artists using existing copyrighted materials in their work.
  • Campbell v. Acuff-Rose has significant implications for video artists who wish to incorporate existing copyrighted materials into their projects. By affirming that transformative works can qualify as fair use, video artists are empowered to create new narratives and commentaries without seeking permission for every element they wish to include. This case encourages artistic expression by allowing creators to engage with popular culture critically and creatively, fostering an environment where reinterpretation is valued over strict adherence to copyright restrictions.

Related terms

Fair Use: A legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without requiring permission from the rights holders, typically for purposes like criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.

Transformative Use: A category of fair use that occurs when a new work adds new expression or meaning to the original work, effectively transforming its purpose or character.

Copyright Infringement: The unauthorized use of copyrighted material that violates the exclusive rights granted to the copyright holder under law.