TikTok Dance Craze Turns Legal: Charli XCX Song at Center of Roblox Lawsuit

A TikToker is suing Roblox over an alleged copyright infringement related to a dance created to a Charli XCX song within the game. This legal battle highlights the complexities of copyright law in the age of user-generated content and virtual worlds. The lawsuit, filed on April 18, 2025, raises critical questions about the responsibility of platforms like Roblox in policing copyright infringements by their users. The situation underscores the increasing tension between creators, platforms, and copyright holders in the digital era.

The Core of the Complaint: Unauthorized Use of Choreography

The plaintiff, a TikTok user known for her dance creations, claims that Roblox profited from her choreography without permission. The dance, set to a Charli XCX song, gained significant popularity on TikTok before being allegedly copied and used within Roblox. The lawsuit asserts that this unauthorized use constitutes copyright infringement, as the dance is considered an original work of authorship. The TikToker is seeking damages and the removal of the infringing content from the Roblox platform. The lawsuit hinges on proving that the dance is indeed copyrightable and that Roblox directly benefited from its unauthorized use.

Roblox’s Response and the Broader Implications

Roblox has yet to issue an official statement regarding the lawsuit. However, the company has historically emphasized its commitment to addressing copyright concerns through its DMCA takedown process. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Roblox and other user-generated content platforms. It may set a precedent for how these platforms handle copyright claims related to user-created content, particularly in the realm of dances and choreography. The lawsuit also raises questions about the extent to which platforms are responsible for monitoring and policing user-generated content for copyright infringements.

Legal Experts Weigh In

Copyright experts suggest that the case could be challenging for the plaintiff. Proving that a dance is copyrightable and that Roblox directly profited from its use will require substantial evidence. The defense may argue that the dance is not sufficiently original to warrant copyright protection or that Roblox is protected by safe harbor provisions under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). This legal battle is expected to draw considerable attention from the tech and entertainment industries, as it touches upon fundamental issues of copyright law in the digital age.