Question
Destiny's Child (the Group) has a hit song titled Bills, Bills, Bills. The Group owns the copyright to the music. Weird Al Yackovich changes the
Destiny's Child ("the Group") has a hit song titled "Bills, Bills, Bills". The Group owns the copyright to the music. Weird Al Yackovich changes the name to "Pills, pills, pills" and creates a comedic version of the song in which he uses the same music and melodies but substitutes "bills" for "pills" and in his song, he sings about using illegal drugs and pills. Weird Al makes references to overdosing and vomiting and the song contains disgusting vomit sounds in the background. The Group sues Weird Al for Copyright infringement. In view of these facts, analyze and justify your decision from a legal and ethical standpoint by answering the following issues using only the textbook and assigned readings/articles/videos from class as citation (where necessary): 1. Does The Group, as a copyright holder, have an absolute right for the song or does the law permit certain limited unauthorized uses of copyrighted materials? Why or why not? Explain. 2. Is the use of the tune by Weird Al, a copyright infringement? Define and Explain. 3. How will the court decide? Will the Group recover from Weird Al? Why or why not? 4. Did the defendant (Weird Al) in this case act ethically or unethically? From which view or perspective?
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