Does the Name “Naruto” Ring a Bell? The Doubtful Copyright Status of Home Security Camera Videos

Wesley Reed is co-author of this article that explores the unsettled legal landscape surrounding copyright ownership of home security camera footage, with a particular focus on the implications of automated, motion-triggered video recording. It examines how current U.S. copyright law treats authorship and originality in the context of automated surveillance technology, artificial intelligence, and user-generated content. Drawing on landmark cases—including the “monkey selfie” litigation—the article analyzes whether anyone can claim intellectual property rights in doorbell camera videos, the role of contractual agreements between users and technology providers, and the practical impact of the fair use doctrine for news outlets and social media. The piece ultimately calls for greater legal clarity as the use of automated cameras grows, highlighting the tension between technological innovation and traditional concepts of authorship and copyright protection.