Monkey Selfies Copyright Battle Settled
The Legal Saga
In 2011, British photographer David Slater captured a series of now-famous “monkey selfies” while photographing crested black macaques in Indonesia. However, the publication of these images sparked a legal battle over animal copyright that lasted for years.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sued Slater, arguing that the macaque who pressed the camera’s shutter button, named Naruto, should be recognized as the copyright holder of the photographs. PETA contended that copyright law does not discriminate based on species and that if a human had taken the same photos, they would be the rightful owner.
Slater, on the other hand, maintained that he should own the commercial rights to the images because he had set up the camera and encouraged the monkeys to interact with it. He argued that his knowledge, skill, and effort were essential to capturing the selfies.
In 2016, a federal judge ruled in Slater’s favor, holding that copyright law does not apply to animals. PETA appealed the decision, and the case was being considered by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals before a settlement was reached.
The Settlement
On Monday, Slater and PETA announced a settlement out of court. Under the terms of the agreement, Slater will donate 25% of any future revenue from the controversial images to Indonesian charities that protect crested black macaques, a critically endangered species.
While the “selfie monkey” will not have rights to the photographs, Slater has asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to dismiss a lower-court ruling that animals cannot own a copyright. Both parties have expressed support for expanding legal rights for nonhuman animals.
The Tangkoko-Batuangus Nature Reserve
Slater’s encounter with the crested black macaques took place in the Tangkoko-Batuangus Nature Reserve in Indonesia. He had been following the animals for three days before setting up his camera on a tripod and letting them play with it.
Slater’s goal was to raise awareness of the crested black macaque, a species facing extinction. He published the selfies in his 2014 book, “Wildlife Personalities.”
The Financial Impact
The copyright lawsuit has taken a financial toll on Slater. In July, he revealed that the legal battle had drained his finances. Nonetheless, Slater has expressed relief that the case has finally been resolved.
The “Selfie Rat” Hoax
In a somewhat related incident, another famous animal photographer, known as “selfie rat,” was exposed as a hoax. The photographer had claimed to have captured images of a rat taking selfies, but it was later revealed that the photos were staged.
The Importance of Animal Protection
While the “monkey selfie” case was primarily about copyright law, it also highlighted the importance of protecting endangered species. The crested black macaque is a critically endangered species, and its habitat is threatened by deforestation and other human activities.
By donating a portion of his earnings to charities that protect crested black macaques, Slater hopes to contribute to their conservation and ensure their survival for future generations.