'Monkey selfie' copyright lawsuit creates court circus

SAN FRANCISCO - A curious monkey with a toothy grin and a knack for pressing a camera button was back in the spotlight on Wednesday as a federal appeals court heard arguments on whether an animal can hold a copyright to selfie photos.

A 45-minute hearing before a three-judge panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco attracted crowds of law students and curious citizens who often burst into laughter. The judges also chuckled at times at the novelty of the case, which involves a monkey in another country that is unaware of the fuss.

Andrew Dhuey, attorney for British nature photographer David Slater, said "monkey see, monkey sue" is not good law under any federal act.