The story of Epic Games’ Fortnite being subject to several lawsuits over dance moves just saw a surprise twist. During the road to these lawsuits emerging, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor Alfonso Ribeiro filed for trademark rights to the “Carlton” dance, which he is claiming as intellectual property and part of his brand as an entertainer. However, the US Copyright Office has turned down that registration.
This news comes from Take-Two Interactive’s defense, as the company has also been sued in addition to Epic Games over similar use of the dance move. Filings from Take-Two include emails from the US Copyright Office, noting that the government body questioned both the dance qualifying for protection at all, and even if it did, Ribeiro’s claim to the rights.
Take-Two is asking for the lawsuit to be dismissed, and the rejection from the US Copyright Office covers one of three variations on the dance submitted by Ribeiro. So for now, it may be too early to determine if this lawsuit will proceed. Wither way, it’s a big bump in the road for Ribeiro’s case.
Source: The Verge