Campbell v. Acuff-Rose

Definition

Campbell v. Acuff-Rose is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1994 that addressed the issue of fair use in copyright law. The case revolved around the rap group 2 Live Crew's unauthorized parody of Roy Orbison's song 'Oh, Pretty Woman.' The ruling clarified the application of the fair use doctrine, emphasizing that transformative works could qualify for fair use even if they are commercially motivated.

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 added new meaning to the original song.
2. The case highlighted that commercial intent does not automatically disqualify a work from being considered fair use.
3. The ruling established a more lenient approach towards parodies and similar transformative works within copyright law.
4. The decision reinforced the importance of context in determining fair use, particularly focusing on whether the new work significantly changes the original's purpose.
5. Campbell v. Acuff-Rose remains a key precedent for future cases involving fair use, particularly in music and media.

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court define transformative use in the Campbell v. Acuff-Rose case, and what implications does this have for future cases?
  • In Campbell v. Acuff-Rose, the Supreme Court defined transformative use as a key factor in determining fair use, indicating that a work is transformative when it adds new expression or meaning to the original. This definition has significant implications for future cases, as it establishes that even commercial works can qualify as fair use if they significantly alter the original's purpose and message. This ruling encourages creativity and innovation in artistic expression while balancing the rights of copyright holders.
• Discuss the significance of commercial intent in the context of fair use as established by Campbell v. Acuff-Rose.
  • The ruling in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose significantly shifted the understanding of commercial intent within fair use determinations. The Supreme Court held that just because a work is created for commercial purposes does not automatically preclude it from being considered fair use. This approach acknowledges that many transformative works, including parodies and commentaries, may have commercial aspects yet still serve important social and artistic functions, thus expanding protections for creators.
• Evaluate how Campbell v. Acuff-Rose has influenced the balance between copyright protection and creative expression in today's digital landscape.
  • Campbell v. Acuff-Rose has played a crucial role in shaping the balance between copyright protection and creative expression in today's digital landscape. By affirming that transformative works can qualify as fair use regardless of commercial intent, it encourages creators to engage with existing works creatively and critically without fear of legal repercussions. This balance is particularly relevant in an era where remix culture thrives, enabling new forms of expression that build upon prior art while still respecting copyright laws.

Related terms

Fair Use:

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

Transformative Use: A concept in copyright law where a new work adds new expression or meaning to the original, making it distinct enough to be considered fair use.

Copyright Infringement: The unauthorized use of copyrighted material in a way that violates the rights of the copyright holder.