The Wildest Copyright Case You’ll Ever Hear When a Monkey Picked Up a Camera, the Law Had to Catch Up
Who really took the picture? This legal drama didn’t begin over “cute animal photos.” It was about who owns the copyright when a monkey takes the photo? Slater, who had traveled to Indonesia and set up the camera, argued that he deserved the copyright because he engineered the situation that made the shots possible. In 2015, the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a lawsuit on Naruto’s behalf to claim copyright, arguing that the monkey should own the rights to the photos and that any proceeds should benefit Naruto and other crested macaques. The lawsuit hinged on a bold argument: If copyright law grants protections to any “author,” then why not one who captured the image, even if that author is furry and swings from trees? Courts rule animals don’t get copyrights. A federal judge dismissed PETA’s claim, ruling that animals can’t own copyrights. The
In 2011, deep in the jungles of Sulawesi, Indonesia, a crested macaque named Naruto did something unforgettable: He picked up wildlife photographer David Slater’s camera and snapped a series of self-portraits, now known around the world as the “monkey selfies.” Whether it was curiosity or a mischievous instinct, those photos became a viral sensation and eventually sparked one of the weirdest legal battles in copyright history.
U.S. Copyright Office echoed this, stating that works created by nonhumans aren’t eligible for copyright protection. In 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals cemented that view: Naruto and, by extension, other animals lack legal standing to own copyright. Humans reach a compromise. Rather than let the legal fight drag on, Slater and PETA reached a settlement in 2017. Under it, Slater agreed to donate 25% of future revenue from the monkey selfie images to wildlife conservation groups protecting crested macaques and their habitat. This oddball case forced lawmakers and other humans to grapple with questions about how far the law should go in recognizing the rights of nonhumans. In the end, a smiling macaque taught the world something about the limits of human law and gave us an epic selfie to remember it by.
CREATING A LIFE YOU LOVE IN RETIREMENT What Comes After the Career?
Embrace the transition. Moving into retirement isn’t just a schedule change; it’s an identity shift. Work often provides community, purpose, and routine, so it’s natural to feel uncertain at first. Giving yourself time to rest, experimenting with new activities, and staying socially connected can make the adjustment smoother. Over time, habits and meaningful connections form a new, fulfilling rhythm. Find fun ways to fill your days. Retirement opens the door to creativity, adventure, and lifelong learning, and there’s so much to get into! Some people explore artistic hobbies like painting or photography, while others join choirs, walking groups, or dance classes to stay social. Outdoor activities such as visiting parks, kayaking, or taking local road trips add excitement and movement. Many retirees also enjoy taking courses, learning new skills, or diving into subjects they never had time to study before.
Retirement is often pictured as a permanent vacation with slow mornings, no deadlines, and complete freedom. But once the novelty fades, many retirees wonder what to do with all their free time. Feeling bored in retirement is surprisingly common, especially after decades of structured schedules and social interaction at work. The encouraging truth is that boredom can be an invitation to explore new passions, reconnect with old interests, and shape a lifestyle filled with meaning and enjoyment. Start your day with purpose. One of the easiest ways to regain youthful energy is by creating a daily routine. A thoughtful morning that includes a walk, a cup of coffee, or a few minutes of journaling can set a positive tone for everything that follows. Gentle structure helps replace the rhythm once provided by work and makes each day feel intentional rather than repetitive.
Explore hobbies, purpose, and possibilities.
The right hobby can keep the mind sharp, the body active, and the spirit engaged. From gardening and bird-watching to genealogy, music, or volunteering, meaningful pastimes transform free time into something deeply satisfying. Some retirees even choose flexible part-time work or creative side projects that provide social connection and a renewed sense of purpose. Ultimately, retirement is all about choosing how you want to live. Quiet days, bold adventures, creative projects, or community involvement can all coexist in this new chapter. With curiosity and openness, retirement becomes less about passing time and more about creating a life rich with joy, discovery, and personal meaning.
2 • swbwlawfirm.com
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