Epic Games Settles Dance Copyright Dispute with Choreographer Kyle Hanagami

What's Happening?

Epic Games has reached a settlement with choreographer Kyle Hanagami over a copyright dispute involving dance moves used in Fortnite. Hanagami accused Epic Games of using his choreography without permission for a Charlie Puth song in the game. Initially dismissed by a California District Court, the case was revived by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which recognized the creative elements of choreography as protectable under copyright law. The settlement ends a legal battle that highlighted the complexities of copyright protection for dance moves in digital media.

Why It's Important?

This settlement is significant as it addresses the legal challenges surrounding the use of choreographed dance moves in video games. It underscores the importance of intellectual property rights for choreographers and sets a precedent for future cases involving digital media and artistic works. The decision by the 9th Circuit Court to recognize choreography as a protectable element under copyright law could lead to more stringent protections for artists, influencing how video game developers incorporate cultural and artistic elements into their products.