Summary
Policy restructured into summary format with numbered red lines and actionable steps. Core copyright rules remain unchanged: no piracy, no unlawful access tools, no image alterations.
Why it matters
No new requirements introduced. Existing copyright infringement prohibitions are clarified through new formatting but enforcement rules, scope, and seller obligations remain identical.
Recommended action
Review new summary format for clarity. No change to sourcing, image, or packaging practices is required; existing compliance practices remain valid.
For example, a photographer is hired to shoot photos of people modeling a brand's dresses.
These photos are protected by copyright and cannot be used without the photographer's clear permission.
Examples of copyrighted works (not exhaustive) Product images, photos, and videos Product descriptions Packaging designs and layouts Illustrations, graphics, prints, and artwork Literary and musical works (for example, song lyrics) Choreographic works (for example, dance moves) Graphic, pictorial, and sculptural works (for example, maps, technical drawings) works videos, sound is copyright infringement?
For example, a photographer is hired to shoot photos of people modeling a brand's dresses.
These photos are protected by copyright and cannot be used without the photographer's clear permission.
Examples of copyrighted works (not exhaustive) Product images, photos, and videos Product descriptions Packaging designs and layouts Illustrations, graphics, prints, and artwork Literary and musical works (for example, song lyrics) Choreographic works (for example, dance moves) Graphic, pictorial, and sculptural works (for example, maps, technical drawings) Audiovisual works (for videos, sound is copyright infringement?
Affects: Seller, Listing
Using product photos, images or videos in a product listing that were taken from another source without the copyright owner's explicit consent.
Examples of copyright infringement Piracy Selling photocopied versions of a textbook authored by someone else.
Unlawful access Selling a jailbroken mobile phone that allows the user to download pirated software.
Tips to avoid copyright infringement ❗These tips are not intended as legal advice.
✅ Dos List only original and authentic products.
To help ensure this: Purchase directly from the source (for example, a video game developer or software developer) or authorized resellers and distributors (for example, a publishing house)Check where your supplier procured the products, and ask for proof of authorization when needed.
Purchase directly from the source (for example, a video game developer or software developer) or authorized resellers and distributors (for example, a publishing house) Check where your supplier procured the products, and ask for proof of authorization when needed.
⛔ Don'ts Avoid using product images, videos, and descriptions that were taken from web searches or on other e-commerce platforms without the owner’s permission.
Summary One-line takeaway:
Copyright infringement is strictly prohibited on Tik Tok Shop.
Core Value/Change:
① Copyright protects original works automatically ② Using others’ images, videos, text, or designs without consent can infringe ③ Partial edits do not avoid liability Red Lines & Compliance: ① Do not sell pirated copies or items with unauthorized copyrighted content ② Do not promote tools enabling unlawful access ③ Cropping, filters, or watermarks still violate rules Actionable Steps: ① Source only from authorized suppliers ② Verify packaging originality and supplier authorization ③ Use original listing assets and image tools like Google Lens What is copyright?
They also do not cover every step you may need to take to avoid copyright infringement.
Examples of copyrighted works (not exhaustive) What is copyright infringement?
Examples of copyright infringement Piracy Unlawful access Tips to avoid copyright infringement ✅ Dos ⛔ Don'ts
Using product photos, images or videos in a product listing that were taken from another source without the copyright owner's explicit consent.
Examples of copyright infringement Piracy Selling photocopied versions of a textbook authored by someone else.
Unlawful access Selling a jailbroken mobile phone that allows the user to download pirated software.
Tips to avoid copyright infringement ❗These tips are not intended as legal advice.
✅ Dos List only original and authentic products.
To help ensure this: Purchase directly from the source (for example, a video game developer or software developer) or authorized resellers and distributors (for example, a publishing house)Check where your supplier procured the products, and ask for proof of authorization when needed.
Purchase directly from the source (for example, a video game developer or software developer) or authorized resellers and distributors (for example, a publishing house) Check where your supplier procured the products, and ask for proof of authorization when needed.
⛔ Don'ts Avoid using product images, videos, and descriptions that were taken from web searches or on other e-commerce platforms without the owner’s permission.
How To Avoid Copyright Infringement Violations 02/26/2026 Manage Product Listing Restrictions Intellectual Property Shop Health Tik Tok Shop maintains a strict policy against all forms of intellectual property (IP) infringement.
We prohibit the promotion and sale of products that infringe on third-party IP rights, including copyright.
Copyright is a legal right that protects original, creative works (such as photos, text, music and videos).
Copyright protection is automatic, and arises as soon as the original work is created.
It does not require registration, notice, or publication to take effect.
Copyright infringement occurs when a copyrighted work is used without its owner's explicit consent.
Altering the work or using only part of it does not necessarily avoid infringement.
Examples of copyright infringement Piracy Piracy occurs when copyrighted works are copied, used, or distributed without permission.
This includes reproducing, selling, streaming, or sharing works like movies, music, software, games, and books.
Tik Tok Shop strictly prohibits any form of piracy.
Unlawful access Unlawful access happens when someone gains access to copyrighted works without permission.
This often involves using tools to bypass access conditions (paywalls, digital locks, etc.) imposed by the copyright owner.
Tik Tok Shop strictly prohibits the promotion or sale of any product that enables unlawful access to copyrighted works.
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