US Copyright office denies Carlton Dance application filed by Alfonso Ribeiro

Alfonso Ribeiro’s application to copyright the Cartlon Dance ahead of his lawsuit against Epic Games has been denied.

The US Copyright Office denied the Carlton Dance ownership claim filed by the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor last month. The denial was noted in California federal court documents obtained by The Hollywood Reporter this week.

According to the supervisory registration specialist, the actor’s registration was refused because the "choreographic work" he was trying to claim ownership of is nothing more than a "simple dance routine."

In the documents it was also noted the clip Ribeiro submitted to back his claim came from his stint on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.

Because he performed the move on the competitive dance show, ABC could claim ownership of the Carlton Dance.

If ownership were to be claimed by any party, the Carlton could very well be the property of NBC considering the routine was first performed on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

In short, because the Carton is only considered a simple routine, and the actual owner of the dance isn’t able to be determined, the copyright claim was dismissed.

Whether Ribeiro decides to drop his lawsuit against Epic Games over the Fresh emote in Fortnite is another matter; however, the denial might hurt his chances at winning.

The law firm representing him in the case against Epic also represents 2 Milly, Backpack Kid, and Orange Shirt Kid - all of which are suing the developer over the use of emotes in Fortnite.

If you are unfamiliar with the emote, because you don't play Fortnite, watch the clip above from YouTuber YT_.

Thanks, RPS.