The fair use doctrine provides a critical exception to American copyright protection, and plays an increasingly important role in protecting free expression. But while copyright restrictions are expanding, so too are fair use protections. In recent years, key fair use decisions from influential U.S. Courts have paid greater attention to creative freedom, and the significant public benefits that robust fair use protection provides. This address will explore the increasingly important role of fair use, its expanding protections, and what these expanding protections mean for content creators.