Charli XCX Apple Dance Creator Settles Roblox Lawsuit

Kelley Heyer, the creative mind behind the viral Apple dance, filed a lawsuit against Roblox Corporation, claiming the platform utilized her choreography without authorization. The dance, which gained widespread popularity on TikTok, was reportedly sold as an emote on Roblox, generating significant revenue for the company. According to court documents, Roblox made approximately $123,000 from selling the Apple dance as a celebratory animation used by players. This legal battle highlights the ongoing tension between creators and digital platforms over intellectual property rights.

The lawsuit has been resolved amicably, with both parties agreeing to dismiss the case. In a joint statement, Kelley Heyer and Roblox expressed mutual goodwill, wishing each other success in their creative endeavors. This resolution underscores the importance of recognizing and compensating creators for their contributions to the digital landscape. Heyer had previously expressed her disappointment at not being credited by larger brands and creators who adopted her dance. The settlement may serve as a precedent for other digital creators seeking to protect their work.

Roblox's response to the lawsuit highlighted the complexities of copyright in the digital age. The company claimed that Heyer had not registered copyright for the Apple dance and had initially given permission for its use. The emote was released as part of a Charli XCX-themed event on Roblox's Dress to Impress game. Roblox stated they had reached a licensing agreement for $9,000 with Heyer before the event, a claim that was part of their defense. This case sheds light on the challenges of negotiating intellectual property rights in rapidly evolving digital spaces.

The resolution of this lawsuit is significant not only for Kelley Heyer but for the broader community of digital creators. With platforms like Roblox boasting over 80 million daily users, the potential for creators' work to be disseminated without proper credit or compensation is vast. This case highlights the necessity for clear agreements and the protection of intellectual property rights to ensure creators are fairly compensated. As digital platforms continue to grow, these issues will likely become more prevalent, prompting further discussion and potential policy changes.