Order Granting Motions to Dismiss, Naruto, et
al. v. Slater, et al., Case No. 15-cv-04324-WHO (Judge
William Orrick)
"The show business has all phases and grades of
dignity, from the exhibition of the monkey to the exposition of the
highest art in music or the drama which secures for gifted artists
a world-wide fame princes well might envy." ~
P.T. Barnum
Are photographic "selfies" a uniquely human conceit?
Parties in a Northern District copyright lawsuit who purport to
represent "Naruto" – the crested macaque
monkey who in what might be described as a "primate whim of
self-promotion" grabbed the camera of wildlife photographer
David John Slater and took a series of his own "monkey
selfies" to the delight of millions who have seen the images
–argue "no." These parties, including the People
for the Ethical Treatment of Animals ("PETA") have
alleged that Naruto exercised "independent, autonomous
action" in operating defendant David John Slater's camera
and
