Campbell vs. Acuff-Rose Music Inc. (1994)
Fair Use: Application of Parody Doctrine in Philippines The US Supreme Court in its decision in the case of Campbell vs. Acuff-Rose Music Inc. (1994), pronounced that a work of parody is not a violation of any copyright. Applying the four tests for copyright infringement, such as the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount and the substantiality of the portion used, and the effect of the use upon the potential market, the High Court ruled that the parody song “Pretty Woman” composed by 2 Live Crew did not violate the copyright granted to Acuff-Rose Music Inc. This new ruling significantly affected the application of the concept of “fair use” with regards to the utilization or copying of the copyrighted materials. It expounded further the principle laid down in the sec. 8 Art. 1 of the US constitution, which provides for the regulation by the State of the rights granted to authors and inventors, to promote transformative works for the furth...