A major video game developer is seeking legal action against a former contractor for allegedly leaking confidential information about unannounced collaborations and content releases to the public. The complaint was filed by Epic Games, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina on March 5, 2026, naming Hayden Cohen as the defendant.
According to the court filing, Epic Games asserts that Cohen, who worked as an associate producer through a third-party staffing agency, repeatedly disclosed sensitive trade secrets related to upcoming Fortnite collaborations on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter) and Discord under the aliases “AdiraFN” and “AdiraFNInfo.” Epic Games states that these leaks included specific details about unannounced partnerships with well-known brands such as South Park and Solo Leveling before official announcements were made.
The complaint outlines that Epic Games relies heavily on surprise collaborations with prominent brands to drive player engagement and revenue. The company describes its efforts to protect such information as extensive: “Epic treats the confidentiality of this trade secret information seriously,” noting measures like restricted access to internal systems using multi-factor authentication and requiring nondisclosure agreements from those granted access. Cohen signed such an agreement on September 11, 2025, agreeing to keep all confidential information strictly private.
Despite these safeguards, Epic alleges that Cohen “repeatedly misappropriated Epic’s trade secret information and broadcasted it publicly” for personal gain and increased social media following. The filing provides examples where Cohen posted details about unreleased Fortnite content weeks ahead of official announcements. For instance, on January 6, 2026, he revealed specifics about a collaboration with South Park; two days later Epic officially announced it. Similarly, he leaked news about a Solo Leveling partnership more than a month before its formal release.
Epic Games claims these actions caused significant harm by damaging relationships with partners who trust Epic with sensitive business plans. According to the complaint: “Defendant’s willful and malicious misappropriation…has damaged Epic’s relationships with its partners, jeopardized future collaborations, and diminished the excitement and engagement of players.” The company also notes substantial costs incurred in investigating the leaks.
The lawsuit brings multiple claims against Cohen: misappropriation of trade secrets under both federal law (the Defend Trade Secrets Act) and North Carolina state law; breach of contract based on violation of the nondisclosure agreement; and violation of North Carolina’s Unfair Competition Law due to alleged unfair or deceptive acts in commerce affecting North Carolina.
Epic seeks several remedies from the court including compensatory damages for actual loss and unjust enrichment; exemplary damages up to twice the amount proven at trial; permanent injunctive relief preventing further disclosure or use of confidential information; immediate return or destruction of all proprietary materials in Cohen’s possession; attorneys’ fees; costs incurred during litigation; pre-judgment and post-judgment interest; as well as any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The attorneys representing Epic Games are Robert C. Van Arnam and Carmelle F. Alipio from Williams Mullen in Raleigh, North Carolina; Katherine M. Dugdale from Perkins Coie LLP in Los Angeles; and Jacob P. Dini from Perkins Coie LLP in Seattle. The case is identified as 5:26-cv-135.
Source: 526cv00135_Epic_Games_Inc_v_Cohen_Complaint_Eastern_District_North_Carolina.pdf
