Rapper Drops Copyright Claims in ‘Fortnite’ Dance Case

A rapper who accused “Fortnite” maker Epic Games Inc. of stealing his dance move dropped copyright claims from an amended complaint filed in the Central District of California Feb. 21.

James Baker, whose rap name is BlocBoy JB, says that Epic used his “Shoot” dance in Fortnite without permission. Baker’s amended complaint only includes trademark and right of publicity infringement claims.

The amendment follows the U.S. Copyright Office’s rejection of registration applications for two other dance moves at issue in “Fortnite” infringement cases—the “Carlton Dance” and the “Milly Rock.” The office said both dance moves were too simple to merit ...