The title complex, [Cu(C(12)H(9)N(2)O)(C(2)H(3)O(2))(C(12)H(10)N(2)O)], is a neutral Cu(II) complex with a primary N(3)O(2) coordination sphere. The Cu centre coordinates to both a deprotonated and a neutral molecule of N-phenylpyridine-2-carboxamide and also to an acetate anion. The coordination around the metal centre is asymmetric, the deprotonated ligand providing two N donor atoms [Cu-N = 1.995 (2) and 2.013 (2) Angstrom] and the neutral ligand providing one N and one O donor atom to the coordination environment [Cu-N = 2.042 (2) Angstrom and Cu-O = 2.2557 (19) Angstrom], the fifth donor being an O atom of the acetate ion [Cu-O = 1.9534 (19) Angstrom]. The remaining O atom from the acetate ion can be considered as a weak donor atom [Cu-O = 2.789 (2) Angstrom], conferring to the Cu complex an asymmetric octahedral geometry. The crystal structure is stabilized by intermolecular N-H...O, C-H...O and C-H...pi interactions.