> Weird Al can be a complex case, because sometimes his songs are true
> parodies, and sometimes they're more satires. Parody has a pretty firm
> history of being protected under fair use, and Weird Al's MJ-inspired songs
> ("Fat" and "Eat It") are clearly parodies. (As is his more recent Lady Gaga
> sendup "Perform This Way", while his Star wars saga "The Story Begins" and
> Coolio-esque "Amish Paradise" are more like satires).
>
> So in the case of Weird Al's Michael Jackson parodies, he would be protected
> under law if MJ had decided to sue.
Not entirely. The use of the musical tune is not a parody, only the
lyrics. But if, like you say, he did get permission, then he is safe.
But you bring up a point of *criticism* which is distinct from re-use.
--
MarkJ
Tacoma, Washington
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