Document: 510 U.S. 569 CAMPBELL, AKA SKYYWALKER, ET AL.v.ACUFF-ROSE MUSIC, INC. No. 92-1292. Supreme Court of United States. Argued November 9, 1993. Decided March 7, 1994. Respondent Acuff-Rose Music, Inc., filed suit against petitioners, the members rap music group 2 Live Crew and their record company, claiming that Crew's song, "Pretty Woman," infringed Acuff-Rose's copyright in Roy Orbison's rock ballad, "Oh, Pretty Woman." The District granted summary judgment for Crew, holding its song was a parody made fair use original song. See Copyright Act 1976, 17 U. S. C. § 107. Appeals reversed remanded, commercial nature rendered it presumptively unfair under first four factors relevant 107; that, by taking "heart" making new work, had, qualitatively, taken too much third 107 factor; market harm purposes fourth factor had been established presumption attaching to uses. Held: may be within meaning Pp. 574-594. (a) Section 107, which provides "the copyrighted work . such as criticism [or] comment is not an infringement .," continues common-law tradition adjudication requires case-by-case analysis rather than bright-line rules. statutory examples permissible uses provide only general guidance. are explored weighed together light copyright's purpose promoting science arts. 574-578. (b) Parody, like other criticism, claim use. Under factors, character use, including whether enquiry focuses on merely supersedes objects creation, or what extent "transformative," altering with expression, meaning, message. more transformative less will significance commercialism, weigh finding heart any parodist's quote from existing material some elements prior author's composition create one at least part, comments work. But tells courts little about where draw line. Thus, uses, has way through factors. 578-581. (c) properly assumed contains commenting criticizing but erred giving virtually dispositive weight presumption, ostensibly culled Sony Corp. America v. Universal City Studios, 464 417, 451, "every unfair. ." statute makes clear work's element into character, itself called no hard evidentiary presumption. Appeals's rule runs counter long adjudication. 581-585. (d) second factor, work," help resolving this cases, since parodies almost invariably copy publicly known, expressive works, Orbison here. P. 586. (e) matter law, copied excessively asks amount substantiality portion used relation whole" reasonable copying's purpose. Even if copying original's line lyrics characteristic opening bass riff said go "heart," most readily conjures up parody, takes aim. Moreover, thereafter departed markedly produced otherwise distinctive music. As lyrics, excessive song's parodic music, expresses opinion repetition copying, remands permit evaluation taken, elements, considerations potential substitution. 586-589. (f) effect upon value presuming, reliance Sony, supra, likelihood significant based gain. No "presumption" inference might find support applicable case involving something beyond mere duplication purposes. cognizable substitution, criticism. pure simple, unlikely act substitute original, two works usually serve different functions. also consider derivative works. See, e. g., Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc. Nation Enterprises, 471 539, 568. If later substitution effects protectible markets law look elements. comprises absence evidence affidavits addressing nonparody, version Woman" disentitled proponent affirmative defense judgment. 590-594. 972 F. 2d 1429, remanded. SOUTER, J., delivered unanimous Court. KENNEDY, concurring opinion, post, p. 596. CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR SIXTH CIRCUIT Bruce Rogow argued cause petitioners. With him briefs Alan Mark Turk. Sidney Rosdeitcher respondent. brief were Peter L. Felcher Stuart M. Cobert.* JUSTICE SOUTER 1 We decide (1988 ed. Supp. IV). Although reversed, barred borrowing. Because we hold parody's enquiry, insufficient consideration given weighing degree reverse remand. * In 1964, William Dees wrote ballad assigned rights respondent Appendix A, infra, 594. registered protection. 3 Petitioners Luther R. Campbell, Christopher Wongwon, Ross, David Hobbs collectively known popular group.1 1989, Campbell entitled he described affidavit intended, "through comical satirize App. Pet. Cert. 80a. On July 5, manager informed written they would afford all credit ownership authorship Acuff-Rose, Dees, Orbison, willing pay fee wished make it. Enclosed letter recording B, 595. agent refused permission, stating "I am aware success enjoyed `The Crews', I must inform you cannot `Oh, Woman.'" 85a. Nonetheless, June 1989,2 released records, cassette tapes, compact discs collection songs "As Clean They Wanna Be." albums identify authors publisher Acuff-Rose. 4 Almost year later, after nearly quarter million copies sold, sued Luke Skyywalker Records, infringement. Crew,3 reasoning bar use; "quickly degenerates play words, substituting predictable shocking ones" show "how bland banal song" is; necessary "conjure up" order it; "extremely could adversely affect original." 754 1150, 1154-1155, 1157-1158 (MD Tenn. 1991). these held original. Id., 1158-1159. 5 Sixth Circuit 1439 (1992). thought put emphasis fact unfair," 451 (1984), admittedly nature" "requires conclusion" weighs 2d, 1435, 1437. Next, determined "taking much. 1438. Finally, noting (and works) "undoubtedly single important use," 566 (1985), faulted "refus[ing] indulge presumption" "harm uses." 1438-1439. sum, court concluded "blatantly prevents being use." 1439. 6 certiorari, 507 1003 (1993), determine II 7 It uncontested here 106 IV), parody.4 From infancy protection, opportunity materials fulfill very purpose, "[t]o promote Progress Science useful Arts. Const., Art. I, 8, cl. 8.5 For Justice Story explained, "[i]n truth, literature, art, there are, can be, few, any, things, abstract sense, strictly throughout. Every book borrows, necessarily borrow, well before." Emerson Davies, 8 Cas. 615, 619 (No. 4,436) (CCD Mass. 1845). Similarly, Lord Ellenborough expressed inherent tension need simultaneously protect allow others build when wrote, "while shall think myself bound secure every man enjoyment his copy-right, manacles science." Carey Kearsley, Esp. 168, 170, 170 Eng. Rep. 679, 681 (K. B. 1803). cases brought Statute Anne 1710,6 English instances "fair abridgements" infringe rights, see W. Patry, Fair Use Privilege Law 6-17 (1985) (hereinafter Patry); Leval, Toward Standard, 103 Harv. Rev. 1105 (1990) Leval), although First Congress enacted our initial statute, May 31, 1790, Stat. 124, without explicit reference came known,7 doctrine recognized American nonetheless. Folsom Marsh, 9 342 4,901) 1841), distilled essence methodology earlier cases: "look selections made, quantity used, prejudice sale, diminish profits, supersede objects, work." 348. Thus expressed, remained exclusively judge-made until passage 1976 Act, Story's discernible:8 "§ Limitations exclusive rights: 10 "Notwithstanding provisions sections 106A, reproduction phonorecords means specified section, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple classroom use), scholarship, research, copyright. determining particular considered include— 11 "(1) non-profit educational purposes; 12 "(2) work; 13 "(3) whole; 14 "(4) 15 "The unpublished above factors." 16 meant "to restate present judicial change, narrow, enlarge way" intended continue H. 94-1476, 66 (1976) House Report); 94-473, 62 (1975) Senate Report). thus "permits [and requires] avoid rigid application when, occasion, stifle creativity designed foster." Stewart Abend, 495 207, 236 (internal quotation marks citation omitted). task simplified rules, recognizes, calls analysis. S., 560; 448, n. 31; Report, pp. 65-66; 62. text employs terms "including" "such as" preamble paragraph indicate "illustrative limitative" function given, 101; 561, guidance sorts commonly found uses.9 Nor treated isolation, another. All explored, results together, Leval 1110-1111; Patry Perlmutter, Misconstrued: Profit, Presumptions, Cardozo Arts Ent. J. 667, 685-687 (1993) Perlmutter).10 18 nonprofit purposes." 107(1). This draws formulation, made." guided looking like, central investigation see, "supersede[s] objects" 348; accord, 562 ("supplanting" original), instead adds new, further message; asks, "transformative." 1111. absolutely 455, 40,11 goal copyright, arts, generally furthered creation Such lie doctrine's guarantee breathing space confines 478-480 (Blackmun, dissenting), 19 once before even time issued because Court's equal division. Benny Loew's 239 532 (CA9 1956), aff'd sub nom. Columbia Broadcasting System, 356 43 (1958). Suffice say now obvious value, does deny. Like humorous forms social benefit, shedding and, process, creating one. have Fisher 794 432 1986) ("When Sonny Sniffs Glue," "When Sunny Gets Blue," use); Elsmere National Co., 482 741 (SDNY), aff'd, 623 252 (CA2 1980) ("I Love Sodom," "Saturday Night Live" television New York," 65; 61 ("[U]se content parodied" use). 20 germ lies definition Greek parodeia, quoted Judge Nelson's dissent, "a sung alongside another." 1440, quoting Encyclopedia Britannica 768 (15th 1975). Modern dictionaries accordingly describe "literary artistic imitates style author comic ridicule,"12 "composition prose verse turns phrase class imitated them appear ridiculous."13 nub definitions, material, 437; MCA, Wilson, 677 180, 185 1981). If, contrary, commentary critical bearing substance composition, alleged infringer get attention drudgery working fresh, fairness borrowing another's diminishes (if vanish), commerciality, loom larger.14 Parody needs mimic point, so victim's (or collective victims') imagination, whereas satire stand own feet justification borrowing.15 ibid.; Bisceglia, Protection: Turning Balancing Into Juggling ASCAP, Symposium, 34, 25 (1987). 21 legitimacy appropriation not, course, tell either parodist judge review criticized, petitioners' suggestion equally hopeful reporting should presumed fair, 561. hint preference parodists over victims, workable take account often shades society lampooned creative artifacts, contain both nonparodic Accordingly, judged case, ends law. 22 Here, held, assumed, whatever large. remarked, words line, then degenerat[e] ones [that] derisively demonstrat[e] how seems them." Supp., 1155 (footnote Nelson, dissenting below, same conclusion, "was clearly ridicule white-bread original" "reminds us sexual congress nameless streetwalkers stuff romance consequences. singers (there several) thing minds did lonely nasal voice, wine roses." 1442. majority below difficulty discerning some. 1435-1436, 8. 23 did, having step evaluating quality. threshold question raised reasonably perceived.16 Whether, going good taste bad Holmes "[i]t dangerous undertaking persons trained constitute themselves final judges worth [a work], outside narrowest limits. At extreme genius sure miss appreciation. Their novelty repulsive public learned language spoke." Bleistein Donaldson Lithographing 188 239, 251 (1903) (circus posters protection); cf. Yankee Publishing News Publishing, 809 267, 280 (SDNY 1992) (Leval, J.) ("First Amendment protections do apply those who speak clearly, whose jokes funny, succeed") (trademark case). 24 While assign high rank here, perceived it, degree. juxtaposes romantic musings fantasy comes true, degrading taunts, bawdy demand sex, sigh relief paternal responsibility. naivete day, rejection sentiment ignores ugliness street life debasement signifies. joinder off choice types traditionally protection works.17 Appeals, however, immediately cut short confining treatment essentially fact, inflated applying copy-righted 451. erred. 26 character. 107(1) term begin dependent clause referring main speaks broader "purpose character." explained resisted attempts narrow ambit traditional adopting categories urged preserve breadth ample view universe evidence. 561; 66. profit insulate infringement, bars fairness. indeed, commerciality carried presumptive force fairness, swallow illustrative listed teaching, activities "are conducted country." 592 (Brennan, dissenting). rule, certainly inferable arising world letters Samuel Johnson pronounce "[n]o blockhead ever except money." Boswell's Life (G. Hill 1934). 27 There, emphasized "sensitive balancing interests," 40, noted "eschewed rigid, approach id., 449, stated "not conclusive," 448-449, "weighed along other[s] decisions," 32 (quoting 66). elevation sentence per se Rather, stands proposition "fact publication opposed separate tends 562. all, tendency vary context reason elevating significance. example, advertise product, indulgence sale sake, let alone performed students school. Perlmutter 679-680; Maxtone-Graham Burtchaell, 803 1253, 1262 1986); Sega Enterprises Ltd. Accolade, 977 1510, 1522 1992).18 B 28 107(2), "value used." Cas., recognition closer core others, consequence difficult establish former copied. 237-238 (contrasting fictional story factual works); 563-564 soon-to-be-published memoir published speech); 40 motion pictures broadcasts); Feist, 499 348-351 bare compilations); Nimmer D. Nimmer, 13.05[A][2] Nimmer); 1116. agree expression dissemination falls protective 1155-1156; likely separating sheep infringing goats C 29 whole," 107(3) (or, used," 348) copying. persuasiveness done, harken back for, recognize varies 449-450 (reproduction entire "does ordinary militating use" home videotaping programs); 564 ("[E]ven substantial quotations qualify speech" scoop memoir). facts tend address fourth, revealing potentially licensed derivatives. 1123. 30 helped overmuch. 1156-1157. disagreed, "[w]hile inappropriate necessary, qualitatively substantial. conclude purloin 31 course correct quality importance, too. 300 out President Ford's memoirs, signaled book," part newsworthy licensing serialization. 564-566, 568 verbatim" question, 565, reveal dearth greater fourth; composed primarily particularly heart, added changed, superseding fulfilling Where company guides us. presents case. Parody's humor, event springs recognizable allusion object distorted imitation. Its art between twin. When aim able enough wit recognizable. 253, 1; 438-439. What memorable features, audience know. Once assure identification, depend, say, overriding or, contrast, using features avoided. 33 insufficiently appreciative sight sound ruled unreasonable musical phrase) true lyrics. Copying become heart. significantly come through. 439. 34 anyone himself skim cream away scot free. everything, else besides ends. repeated it,19 sounds, interposing "scraper" noise, over-laying solos keys, drum beat. 1155. then, portion" "verbatim" is, insubstantial, compared resolved parodists. 35 correctly suggested "no necessary," 1438, just reason, fail "heart." express remand sketched fully below. D 36 107(4). caused actions infringer, "whether unrestricted widespread conduct sort engaged defendant result substantially adverse impact market" 13.05[A][4], 13-102.61 omitted); 569; 349. "must works." 37 Since defense,20 carrying burden demonstrating favorable markets.21 moving judgment, left disadvantage failed derivatives, confined uncontroverted submissions thereby subject applied Appeals. assessing harm, "`[i]f gain, presumed. noncommercial demonstrated.'" reasoned wholly commercial, presume future exists." doing, first, error. 38 Sony's discussion contrasts verbatim entirety purposes, (home programming). circumstances, simply common sense: amounts objects," 348, serves replacement occur. transformative, certain, inferred. Indeed, acting ("supersed[ing] [its] objects"). 1125; 692, 697-698. 23. 39 suggest lethal scathing theater review, kills produce Act. "parody quite legitimately garroting destroying commercially artistically," Kaplan, An Unhurried View 69 (1967), role distinguish "[b]iting [that merely] suppresses [and] infringement[, which] usurps it." 438. distinction remediable displacement unremediable disparagement reflected includes creators develop license develop. Yet unlikelihood imaginative reviews lampoons productions removes notion market. "People ask want praise." Maugham, Of Human Bondage 241 (Penguin 1992). read 1439, Accord, 688-691.22 41 explaining why recognizes have, speaking nothing aspect (i. e., simple," 591). complex arena looks proper focus 568; 13.05[B]. Evidence use,23 derivatives economic incentive originals. 106(2) (copyright owner works). concern us, discussed above, impair effectiveness threat market.24 42 submitted neither they, nor introduced And while recorded another sought derivative, harmed version. sold says passed issue, observing free "whatever desires," 1158; went erroneous Contrary each treatment, impossible deal recognizing silentrecord defense, hole doubtless plugged III error available considering therefore proceedings consistent opinion. 44 ordered. APPENDIX A OPINION 45 46 Woman, walking down street, 47 kind meet, 48 don't believe you, you're Mercy 49 won't pardon me, 50 couldn't lovely Are me? 51 stop while, 52 talk Woman give your smile me yeah, yeah 53 my way, you'll stay 54 'Cause I'll treat right Come baby, Be mine tonight 55 walk by, 56 cry, 57 away, 58 Hey, O. K. 59 that's guess home, it's late 60 There'll tomorrow night, wait! Is she Yeah, she's me! 63 Oh, Woman. 64 Recorded woman walkin' girl sweet 65 bring knee wanna beg please pretty Big hairy shave know bet tough 67 hair ain't legit `Cousin It' 68 Bald headed grow got teeny weeny afro 70 nice 71 roll rice 72 hunk biz ya 73 Ya I'm saying better roni Oh bald forget friend Hey boys Jump 74 Two timin' 75 you's boy last night 76 load mind 77 baby Notes: Briefs ofamici curiae urging reversal Civil Liberties Union Steven Reich, Shapiro, Marjorie Heins, John A. Powell; Capitol Steps Production, et al. Lane; Harvard Lampoon, Robert Loeffler Jonathan Band; PEN Center Leon Friedman; Berry Alfred Yen. amici affirmance Music Publishers' Association, Marvin E. Frankel Michael Oberman; Fred Ebb Stephen Rackow Kaye, Charles Sims, Jon Baumgarten. Home Box Office Daniel Waggoner, Cameron DeVore, George Vradenburg, Bonnie Bogin, Richard Cotton; Warner Bros. Cary Sherman Garrett. Rap defined "style black consisting improvised rhymes rhythmic accompaniment." Norton/Grove Concise 613 (1988). plays "[b]ass music," regional, hip-hop Liberty area Miami, Florida. Brief parties argue timing. contends album 15, held. 1152 states Campbell's puts release date June, chooses date. 1432 (CA6 timing request irrelevant enquiry. 18,infra, discussing faith. dismiss converted defended motion, cross-motion part: "Subject 120, title authorize following: reproduce phonorecords; prepare distribute transfer ownership, rental, lease, lending "based preexisting translation, arrangement, dramatization, fictionalization, picture version, recording, reproduction, abridgment, condensation, form recast, transformed, adapted. editorial revisions, annotations, elaborations, modifications which, whole, represent authorship, `derivative work.' " 101. concedes compulsory 115 arrangement changes basic melody fundamental character" 115(a)(2) exclusion ideas well. 102(b) ("In extend idea, procedure, system, method operation, concept, principle, discovery...");Feist Publications, Rural Telephone Service 340, 359 (1991) ("[F]acts contained freely copied"); 547 owner's exclude ideas, Encouragement Learning, Anne, ch. 27, citingLawrence Dana, 26, 8,136) 1869). 1105. historical development doctrine, 1-64 ("[W]hether referred section depend determinative factors") close questions works), wish bear goals stimulate edifying matter," 1134, always best served automatically granting injunctive gone bounds 502(a) (court "may grant injunctions deem prevent restrain infringement") (emphasis added); 1132 (while "vast [an injunctive] remedy justified infringements simple piracy," "worlds apart many raising contentions "there strong interest secondary adequately protected award damages found"); Abend 863 1465, 1479 1988) (finding "special circumstances" "great injustice" defendants "public injury" injunction issue), 207 (1990). exception straight distribution Heritage Dictionary 1317 (3d Oxford 247 (2d 1989) loosely targets presented still sufficiently aimed parody. wide risk serving (seeinfra, 590-594, four), incumbent transformation relationship By large minimal market, small borrows analysis, looser lesser required. Satire "in prevalent follies vices assailed ridicule," Dictionary,supra, 500, "attacked irony, derision, wit," Dictionary, 1604. pass goes assessment slight great, extensive element, "supersede Seeinfra, 586-594, three four. note passing label whole album, penalized essay. labeled require state perceived). 716-717 regardless place infringer's mind, compareHarper (fair presupposes faith dealing) (quotation omitted), 342, 349 1841) (good infringement); 1126-1127 analysis), reject argument permission believed offer good-faith effort litigation. granted. denied 432, 437 1986). heighten witness stated, 32a, Affidavit Oscar Brand; alsoElsmere 741, 747 (repetition Sodom"), dazzle contends. 102-836, 3, evidence, more, gives example film producer's composer's previously unknown success; boon film's fair. 1124, 84. three, addressed interests."Sony (1984). Market degree, importance vary, relative strength showing vehicles amusement, ("a market"); 1125 ("reasonably substantial" harm); 697-698 (same) whence flows. indicia source harm. far 78 concurring. 79 appropriate join Court, observations 80 instated provision presumes rules emerge decisions. certain principles discernible define One observes, profit. Ante, 591. Another ironic composition. 580. fashion, however humor be. target style, genre belongs, (although well). Rogers Koons, 960 301, 310 ("[T]hough modern society, parody"); 436 ("[A] satiric deserves fair-use partly question"). prerequisite necessitates 1981) ("[I]f conjure up"); 23-29 protects fear holders shield Fisher, ("Self-esteem seldom exchange fee"); Posner, Use?, Legal Studies 67, (1992) ("There obstruction parodied private owner, interest, suppress work") deleted). 81 keep limits, towards satisfying four-factor test (the use) concerns work) "parodies whole) likewise subsumed much, inquiry. Some parodies, nature, (holding Sodom" skit legitimate York" campaign). Other Lewis Carroll's "You Old, Father William," parts reinforce principle accord profiteers add few silly someone else's characters familiar novel eccentric poses. Walt Disney Productions Air Pirates, 581 751 1978); DC Comics Unlimited Monkey Business, 598 110 (ND Ga. 1984). But, acknowledges, ante, 588-589, mechanical application. view, ensure compliance targeting requirement. 82 acknowledges effect. 591-592. usurp substitutive Ibid. difficult, effects. again, bounds, inquiry effect, Creative compete appeal overlapping. Factor underscores ensuring independent "make statement reflects perspective parodist—thereby entertainment function." Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Showcase Atlanta Cooperative Productions, 479 351, 357 1979). 83 keeping More arguable required would-be doubts favor self-proclaimed parodist. easy musicians exploit rendition valuable revamped construed "comment original," 583, difference amusing hear old tune sounds genre. Just Beethoven's Fifth Symphony "Achy Breaky Heart" people smile. weak weaken under-protection disserves overprotection, reducing financial create. 84 decides degree." (applying factor). assured remaining leaves room care takeoff rationalized post hoc 85 observations,

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