Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc.

Definition

Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1994 that addressed the limits of copyright law and the doctrine of fair use, particularly in the context of parody. This case involved rapper 2 Live Crew's unauthorized parody of Roy Orbison's song 'Oh, Pretty Woman,' raising important questions about how much a work could transform an original before infringing on copyright. The decision emphasized that transformative use could qualify for fair use, allowing artists more freedom to adapt existing works creatively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled that 2 Live Crew's version of 'Oh, Pretty Woman' was transformative and therefore eligible for fair use.
2. The decision highlighted that parody is a significant form of expression and can qualify as fair use if it sufficiently transforms the original work.
3. This case marked a shift in how courts evaluate fair use claims, placing more emphasis on the transformative nature of the new work.
4. Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music helped clarify the balance between protecting copyright holders and allowing creative expression through adaptations and parodies.
5. The ruling has had lasting implications for musicians and other artists seeking to create derivative works without infringing on copyright.

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court's decision in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music impact the understanding of fair use in relation to parody?
  • The Supreme Court's decision in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music significantly impacted the understanding of fair use by affirming that parody can be considered transformative if it adds new expression or meaning to the original work. The Court emphasized that parody serves an important role in free expression and can critique or comment on existing works. This ruling set a precedent that allowed artists to explore more creative adaptations without fear of infringing copyright as long as their work is transformative.
• Discuss how the concept of transformative use was applied in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music and its relevance to future cases.
  • In Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, the concept of transformative use was applied when the Court found that 2 Live Crew's parody altered the original song enough to provide new meaning and commentary. This relevance extends to future cases by establishing a clearer standard for evaluating fair use claims based on transformation rather than merely considering commercial impact or intent. As a result, subsequent rulings have focused on whether adaptations add value and contribute to cultural discourse.
• Evaluate the implications of Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music for artists seeking to create derivative works and how it may influence their creative decisions.
  • The implications of Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music for artists creating derivative works are profound, as it encourages them to take risks with adaptations while knowing there is legal protection under fair use for transformative content. This case empowers artists to incorporate elements from existing works into their own creations without fear of infringement, as long as their work offers new insights or commentary. Consequently, this has fostered a more vibrant artistic community where remixing and reinterpreting existing cultural materials is not just permissible but celebrated.

Related terms

Fair Use:

A legal doctrine that permits limited use of copyrighted material without obtaining permission from the rights holders, typically for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.

Transformative Use: A concept in copyright law that refers to a new work that adds something new, with a further purpose or different character than the original, potentially qualifying it for fair use.

Copyright Infringement: The unauthorized use of copyrighted material in a way that violates the rights of the copyright holder, which can lead to legal action.