Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air star Alfonso Ribeiro loses copyright bid over the 'Carlton dance'

Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air star Alfonso Ribeiro has been denied a copyright for the "Carlton dance", which he is suing two videogame makers over.

The denial from the US Copyright Office was revealed in a motion to dismiss Ribeiro’s lawsuit against the makers of NBA 2K16, Take-Two Interactive which he says illegally makes use of the dance.

The document denying the copyright says the moves in the "Carlton dance" represent a simple routine rather than a work of choreography, which can be copyrighted.

He is also suing Epic Games over the use of the dance in Fortnite, joining several rappers suing the game over dances.

The actor is seeking damages from both companies.

A hearing on the motion to dismiss is scheduled for March 18.

The so-called Carlton dance was made famous after Ribeiro performed it on popular 1990s sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, which starred Will Smith in the titular role.

Ribeiro played Smith's cousin, Carlton Banks.

Fortnite - a multiplayer online shooter game - is one of the most popular video games in the world and allows players to perform the "Carlton dance".

Neither Epic Games or Take-Two Interactive have responded to the lawsuit.