All TikTok users, including content creators and sellers
Copyright protects your original works, such as videos and music, from being used by others without permission. You generally own the copyright once you create something original, and there's no need to register it for protection, though registration can help in disputes. You cannot post someone else's copyrighted content on TikTok unless you have permission or it falls under exceptions like fair use.
Requirements
You must not post another person's copyrighted content without permission.
You may use others' content under fair use in certain situations.
Copyright protection is automatic upon creation of original work.
You can report copyright infringements through TikTok's reporting tools.
Why it matters
Violating copyright can lead to content removal or account strikes.
Copyright is a legal protection for original creative works like videos and music. You cannot post someone else's copyrighted content on TikTok without permission, unless you have a legal right to do so (such as fair use for criticism or review). If your copyright is infringed, you can report it directly to TikTok through the app or online form.
Requirements
Do not post, share, or send copyrighted content without the owner's permission
Fair use exceptions (criticism, review, quotation) may permit limited use without permission
Report copyright infringement through TikTok's in-app reporting tool or online form
Copyright protection is automatic upon creation; registration is not required
Why it matters
Posting copyrighted content without permission violates TikTok's Terms of Service and Community Guidelines and can result in content removal or account action against you.
All TikTok Shop sellers and creators using copyrighted, trademarked, patented, or publicity-protected content
TikTok prohibits all forms of intellectual property infringement, including counterfeit products, unauthorized use of trademarks, copyrights, patents, and publicity rights. Violations can result in delisting of products, account suspension, account termination, and withholding of funds. Repeat violations trigger stricter penalties, and appeals are not guaranteed to be successful.
Requirements
Do not sell counterfeits, knockoffs, or use trademarks, copyrights, patents, or publicity rights without authorization
Brand authorization may require a trademark number, Letter of Authorization (LOA), or license agreement
Only IP owners or their authorized representatives can file infringement notices
Appeals must be submitted within 30 days in Seller Center > Shop Health; sellers receive up to 2 appeals
Why it matters
IP violations can result in immediate listing removal, account suspension, account termination, and permanent loss of funds—making compliance critical to maintaining your TikTok Shop business.
You cannot sell, advertise, or display counterfeit products or unauthorized brand names, trademarks, or logos on TikTok Shop. This includes hiding or blurring logos to disguise counterfeits, and any messaging that suggests you're selling fake products.
Requirements
Do not sell, advertise, or display counterfeit products
Do not use unauthorized brand names, trademarks, or logos in listings, videos, or livestreams
Do not intentionally blur or hide brand names or logos
Do not use messaging that implies the sale of counterfeit products
Why it matters
Violations result in account suspension or permanent termination, frozen balances, canceled transactions, and potential legal action by TikTok or trademark owners.
All TikTok Shop sellers and users listing or promoting products
TikTok prohibits selling counterfeit goods or products that infringe on intellectual property rights, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, and publicity rights. Violations can result in your listings being removed, your account suspended, or your seller funds frozen. Repeated violations trigger stricter penalties, and appeals are not guaranteed to be successful.
Requirements
Do not sell counterfeits, knockoffs, or products using unauthorized trademarks, copyrights, patents, or publicity rights
Brand authorization may require a trademark number, Letter of Authorization (LOA), or license agreement
Only IP owners or their authorized representatives can file infringement notices
You have up to 2 appeals; the first appeal must be submitted within 30 days via Seller Center > Shop Health with supporting documents
Why it matters
IP violations can result in permanent loss of your seller account, withholding of payments, listing removal, and legal action—protecting your business requires proactive compliance and proper authorization documentation.
You cannot sell, advertise, or display counterfeit products or unauthorized brand names and logos on TikTok Shop. This includes any behavior, messages, or content that suggests you're selling fake goods, and intentionally blurring or hiding brand information to disguise counterfeits.
Requirements
Do not advertise or sell counterfeit products
Do not display unauthorized brand names, trademarks, or logos in listings, videos, or livestreams
Do not intentionally blur or hide brand names or logos
Do not use messages or content that imply you're selling counterfeit goods
Why it matters
Violations can result in permanent account termination, withheld earnings, canceled transactions, and legal action initiated by TikTok or the brand owner.
All TikTok Shop sellers, content creators, and anyone advertising or promoting products
You cannot advertise, sell, or promote counterfeit products on TikTok, and you must not display unauthorized trademarks, brand names, or logos anywhere on the platform—including product pages, videos, and livestreams. You also cannot deliberately blur or hide brand information, or use any messaging (text, video, images, or audio) that suggests you're selling fake goods.
Requirements
Do not advertise or sell counterfeit products
Do not display unauthorized brand names, trademarks, or logos in any content (product pages, videos, livestreams)
Do not intentionally blur or hide brand names or logos
Do not use messages, images, audio, or video that imply you are selling counterfeit products
Why it matters
Violating this rule can result in account suspension, content removal, and legal liability for trademark infringement.
All TikTok Shop sellers and content creators advertising or selling products
You cannot use brand names, logos, or trademarks that you don't own or have permission to use on your products, packaging, shop name, or any content you post. This includes selling counterfeit products, blurring logos to hide them, or anything that suggests you're selling fake branded goods.
Requirements
Do not use unauthorized third-party trademarks on products, packaging, or product listings
Do not use unauthorized trademarks in your shop name or user avatar
Do not advertise or sell counterfeit products
Do not display unauthorized brand names or logos in any content (product pages, videos, livestreams)
Do not intentionally blur or hide brand names/logos to conceal counterfeits
Do not use messaging (text, images, videos, sound) that implies you're selling counterfeit items
Why it matters
Trademark violations can result in listing removal, shop suspension, or legal action from trademark owners.
Who this applies to
All TikTok Shop sellers and creators posting content that includes photos, videos, music, product listings, or shop branding
You cannot use copyrighted or trademarked content belonging to others without permission. This includes using someone else's photos, music, videos, or brand logos in your product listings, shop name, or product packaging. Selling counterfeit or knockoff versions of branded products is also prohibited.
Requirements
Do not use copyrighted photos, text, music, or videos without permission
Do not use third-party trademarks on products, packaging, or in product listings
Do not use third-party trademarks in your shop name or user avatar
Do not sell counterfeit or knockoff products that imitate branded items
Why it matters
Violations can result in content removal, shop suspension, or legal action against you for trademark and copyright infringement.
TikTok Shop sellers who claim trademark ownership or authorization to sell branded products
TikTok requires sellers claiming trademark rights or authorization to prove their legal standing by submitting official documentation. The type and number of documents you need depends on whether you own the trademark, are authorized by the owner, or are authorized through a chain of resellers.
Requirements
Trademark owners: Submit trademark registration number; update contact email with USPTO if outdated before applying
1st-level authorized sellers: Submit a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from the trademark owner
2nd-level authorized sellers: Submit two LOAs—one from the trademark owner to the 1st-level seller, and one from the 1st-level seller to you
Sellers with licensing agreements: Submit a valid Licensee Agreement from the licensor
Why it matters
Without proper authorization documentation, your branded listings will be rejected or removed, blocking your ability to sell those products on TikTok.
IPR owners, authorized representatives, and sellers reporting intellectual property infringement on TikTok Shop
If you're reporting intellectual property infringement on TikTok Shop, you must submit complete information about the violation through either the Intellectual Property Protection Center or the IP Rights Report form. Incomplete submissions will likely be rejected, and TikTok may share your contact information with the accused seller.
Requirements
Submit infringement notices through the IPPC or IP Rights Report form with all requested information completed
Provide complete details or your complaint may be denied; incomplete submissions limit investigation ability
Prepare for TikTok to request additional information during the investigation process
Understand that your contact information (name, email, etc.) may be shared with the accused seller
Why it matters
Submitting incomplete or inaccurate infringement reports wastes time and will result in denial, while sellers need to know TikTok will disclose their identity to the accused party.
You cannot sell products that infringe on patents, including knockoffs that copy the ornamental design or functional innovation of another product. Design patents protect how something looks, while utility patents protect how it works or what it does.
Requirements
Do not sell products that violate a third-party design patent
Do not sell knockoffs that are lower quality or lower priced imitations of original products
Understand that design patents protect ornamental visual design of functional items
Understand that utility patents protect new or improved products, processes, or machines
Why it matters
Selling infringing products can result in listing removal, account suspension, and legal liability from patent holders.
All TikTok Shop sellers selling products that use registered trademarks or brand licenses
To sell branded products on TikTok Shop, you must prove you have permission to use the brand. Different types of sellers must submit different types of authorization documents—either a trademark registration number, a letter of authorization, or a licensing agreement—depending on your relationship to the brand owner.
Requirements
Trademark owners must submit the trademark registration number and ensure their USPTO contact email is current before applying.
1st-level authorized sellers must submit a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from the brand/trademark owner.
2nd-level authorized sellers must submit two LOAs: one from the trademark owner to the first-level seller, and one from that first-level seller to you.
Sellers with licensing or co-branding rights must submit a valid Licensee Agreement.
Why it matters
Without proper authorization documents, your branded listings will be rejected or removed, preventing you from selling these products on the platform.
TikTok Shop sellers and rights holders reporting copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property infringement
To report intellectual property infringement on TikTok Shop, you must submit your complaint using the official IP Rights Report form and include all information requested in that form. If you don't provide complete details, TikTok may not be able to investigate your claim and could deny your complaint outright.
Requirements
Use only the official TikTok Shop IP Rights Report form to submit infringement notices
Include all information requested in the form—incomplete submissions may be denied
Consider seeking independent legal advice if you're unsure whether an IP violation actually occurred before submitting
Why it matters
Incomplete or improperly submitted complaints will not be investigated, so following the form requirements is essential if you want TikTok to take action on your IP infringement report.
IPR owners, authorized representatives, and second-level authorized sellers reporting intellectual property infringement on TikTok Shop
When you report intellectual property infringement on TikTok Shop, you must submit a complete infringement notice through either the Intellectual Property Protection Center (IPPC) or the Intellectual Property Rights Web Form. TikTok may share your contact information with the account holder being reported, and incomplete submissions can be denied or delay investigations.
Requirements
Submit infringement notices only through IPPC or the official IP Rights Web Form
Provide all requested information completely—incomplete submissions may be denied
Second-level authorized sellers must submit two separate Letters of Authorization (LOAs): one from the trademark owner to the first-level seller, and one from the first-level seller to you
Respond promptly if TikTok requests additional information during investigation
Why it matters
Incomplete or improperly documented infringement claims will be rejected, and your contact information will be shared with the accused party, so accuracy and completeness are critical to successfully enforcing your IP rights on the platform.
Brands and IP rights holders reporting distribution agreement disputes to TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop will not remove listings or take action based solely on exclusive distribution agreement violations—these disputes must be resolved privately between the parties. However, if a listing also involves a separate intellectual property infringement (like trademark or copyright violation), TikTok may act on that IPR violation.
Requirements
Distribution agreement violations alone are not grounds for TikTok Shop action
Must file a separate IPR infringement claim (not just a distribution dispute) for TikTok to investigate
All notices must include information requested in the TikTok Shop Intellectual Property Rights Report form
Incomplete submissions may result in complaint denial
Why it matters
If you're a brand protecting exclusive distribution rights, filing a distribution-only complaint won't get TikTok's help—you'll need to identify a separate IP infringement (trademark, copyright, etc.) or pursue the matter through legal channels.
TikTok Shop users submitting intellectual property infringement notices or complaints
When you report copyright or intellectual property infringement on TikTok Shop, you must use the official IP Rights Report form and include all the information it requests. If you don't provide complete details, TikTok may not be able to investigate your claim and could reject it.
Requirements
Use the official TikTok Shop Intellectual Property Rights Report form to submit notices
Include all information requested in the form
Provide complete details to enable investigation
Seek independent legal advice if you're uncertain whether an IPR violation occurred
Why it matters
Incomplete or improperly submitted complaints will be denied and TikTok won't investigate your infringement claim, so getting it right the first time is critical to protecting your intellectual property.
Brands and distributors reporting distribution agreement violations to TikTok Shop; anyone filing intellectual property infringement notices
TikTok Shop will not enforce private distribution agreements between brands and distributors. If you report a product being sold by an unauthorized distributor, TikTok will only act if there's a separate intellectual property violation (like trademark or copyright infringement). Simply having an exclusive distribution deal is not enough for TikTok to remove a listing.
Requirements
Distribution agreement violations alone are not actionable by TikTok Shop
You must file notices using the TikTok Shop Intellectual Property Rights Report form with all required information
TikTok may request additional information during investigation
Incomplete notices may be denied
Why it matters
If you rely only on an exclusive distribution agreement, TikTok won't help you block competitors—you need actual IP infringement (trademark/copyright) to get platform support.
TikTok Shop sellers who receive an enforcement action for intellectual property violations
If TikTok Shop takes an enforcement action against you for an intellectual property violation, you have a limited opportunity to challenge the decision through appeals. You can submit up to two appeals, but only within specific time windows—act quickly or lose your right to appeal.
Requirements
Maximum 2 appeals per case
First appeal must be submitted within 30 days of the enforcement action
Second appeal must be submitted within 15 days of the first appeal's rejection
Copyright violations only may submit a DMCA Counter-Notice as an alternative
Why it matters
Missing these deadlines means you lose your ability to contest the enforcement action, which could result in permanent suspension of your listings or account.
TikTok Shop sellers and creators who receive enforcement action for intellectual property violations
TikTok Shop has different appeal limits and timelines for sellers versus creators when enforcement action is taken against an account. Sellers get up to 2 appeals (first within 30 days, second within 15 days of rejection), while creators get only 1 appeal within 30 days. Successful appeals result in penalty removal and restoration of privileges.
Requirements
Sellers: maximum 2 appeals per case
first appeal within 30 days of enforcement action
second appeal within 15 days of first appeal rejection
Creators: maximum 1 appeal per case; appeal must be within 30 days of enforcement action
All appeals require valid, clear documents proving authenticity to succeed
Successful appeals result in penalty removal and restoration of withdrawn privileges
Why it matters
Understanding your appeal window and limits is critical—missing the deadline or exhausting your appeals means you lose the opportunity to challenge an enforcement decision that could impact your account privileges or penalties.
Who this applies to
TikTok Shop sellers who receive an enforcement action for intellectual property violations
If TikTok Shop takes enforcement action against you for an intellectual property violation, you have limited opportunities to challenge the decision. You can submit up to two appeals, with strict deadlines for each one.
Requirements
Maximum 2 appeals per case
First appeal must be submitted within 30 days of the enforcement action
Second appeal must be submitted within 15 days of the first appeal's rejection
For copyright violations only, you can also submit a DMCA Counter-Notice as an alternative method
Why it matters
Missing the appeal deadline means you lose your chance to contest the enforcement action, so timing is critical if you believe a violation was wrongly applied to your account or listing.
TikTok Shop sellers and creators whose content or products have been removed for alleged intellectual property infringement
When your content is removed due to a copyright or intellectual property claim, you can submit a counter-notice to dispute it—but you must include your identity, contact information, a detailed explanation of why the content doesn't infringe, and a sworn statement that you believe the removal was a mistake. Be aware that submitting a false counter-notice can make you liable for TikTok's legal costs and damages.
Requirements
Full identity information (name for individuals, business registration for entities)
Complete contact details and statement consenting to jurisdiction and service of process
Specific location of removed content and detailed explanation of why it's not infringing
Good-faith sworn statement under penalty of perjury that removal was due to mistake or misidentification
You can appeal maximum 1 time per case, within 30 days of enforcement action
Why it matters
Filing a counter-notice is your path to restore removed content and reverse penalties, but false statements can result in significant legal liability and costs beyond the initial removal.
Who this applies to
TikTok Shop sellers and creators facing intellectual property enforcement actions
TikTok allows sellers and creators to challenge enforcement actions through an appeals process, but with different limits depending on your role. Sellers get two chances to appeal a decision, while creators get one. You must act quickly—submit your first appeal within 30 days or you lose the opportunity.
Requirements
Sellers: Maximum 2 appeals per case; first appeal within 30 days of enforcement action, second appeal within 15 days of first rejection
Creators: Maximum 1 appeal per case; must be submitted within 30 days of enforcement action
Appeals require valid, clear documents proving authenticity to succeed
Successful appeals result in removal of penalties and restoration of withdrawn privileges
Why it matters
Understanding your appeal rights and deadlines is critical because missing the 30-day window means you lose your chance to challenge a penalty or suspension, with no second chances for creators.
Creators and sellers appealing DMCA takedown actions on TikTok
If your product or content is removed due to a copyright claim, you can file a counter-notice to dispute it—but only once per case, and only within 30 days. Your counter-notice must include your identity, contact information, a detailed explanation of why the material doesn't infringe copyright, and a sworn statement that you believe the removal was a mistake. Keep in mind that if you lie on this form, you could be sued for damages including TikTok's legal fees.
Requirements
Submit identity information (full name for individuals, business registration for entities)
Provide contact details and consent to jurisdiction and service of process
Explain in detail why the content is not infringing or was removed by mistake
Include a sworn statement under penalty of perjury confirming good-faith belief
File within 30 days of enforcement action (maximum 1 appeal per case)
Why it matters
Filing a false counter-notice can result in significant financial liability including TikTok's legal costs and damages, so only appeal if you genuinely believe the removal was an error or the content doesn't infringe copyright.
Who this applies to
All TikTok users posting or sharing content, including creators and TikTok Shop sellers
TikTok prohibits you from posting, sharing, or sending any content that infringes on someone else's intellectual property rights, including copyrights, trademarks, and other IP protections. TikTok takes IP violations seriously and will remove infringing content from the platform.
Requirements
Do not post, share, or send content that violates copyrights, trademarks, or other IP rights
Respect the intellectual property rights of others
For TikTok Shop listings and ads, review the dedicated IP policies (TikTok Shop Intellectual Property Policy and IP Infringement Rules for Ads)
IP laws vary by jurisdiction—seek legal advice if unsure about requirements in your country
Why it matters
Violating IP rights will result in content removal and can lead to account restrictions or suspension, damaging your ability to reach audiences and sell on the platform.
All TikTok users posting, sharing, or sending content on the platform
TikTok prohibits posting, sharing, or sending any content that violates or infringes someone else's intellectual property rights—including copyrights, trademarks, and other IP protections. TikTok takes IP rights seriously and expects all users to respect the IP rights of others in accordance with the Terms of Service and Community Guidelines.
Requirements
Do not post, share, or send content that infringes copyrights, trademarks, or other IP rights
Respect the intellectual property rights of others
Comply with TikTok's Terms of Service and Community Guidelines regarding IP
Note that specific IP laws vary by jurisdiction; seek legal advice for your location if needed
Why it matters
Violating IP rights can result in content removal, account restrictions, or bans; TikTok Shop sellers and creators face dedicated enforcement through specialized IP teams.
IP rights owners and TikTok Shop sellers with registered intellectual property
The Intellectual Property Protection Center (IPPC) is a TikTok Shop tool that allows IP rights owners to register their intellectual property, search for infringing content, and file complaints all in one place. It streamlines enforcement by letting you store and reuse IP documentation and track complaint status without repeated manual submission.
Requirements
Upload and store IP documents for verification
Search products, videos, and livestreams for infringement
Submit and track complaints in one centralized platform
Sync brand authorizations via Seller Center
Why it matters
Using IPPC reduces the time and effort needed to protect your brand by eliminating manual work on repeat complaints and speeding up TikTok's review process.
Intellectual Property rights owners (trademark, patent, copyright holders, etc.) protecting their assets on TikTok Shop
The Intellectual Property Protection Center (IPPC) is a tool on TikTok Shop that allows IP rights owners—like trademark and patent holders—to register their intellectual property, search for counterfeit or infringing products/videos/livestreams, and file complaints all in one place. Instead of managing IP protection through email, you get centralized tracking and faster processing of infringement reports.
Requirements
Register your IP by submitting relevant documents, registrations, and certifications
Search TikTok Shop products, videos, and livestreams for potential infringements
Submit and track IP infringement complaints in one dashboard
Link your seller account to IPPC to auto-sync brand authorizations and skip manual KYC verification
Why it matters
Using IPPC speeds up infringement detection and complaint processing while reducing manual effort—protecting your brand reputation and market position on TikTok Shop.
TikTok Shop sellers and individual IP rights owners who want to register and protect their intellectual property assets on the platform
To use the Intellectual Property Protection Center (IPPC) on TikTok Shop, you need to create or log into a seller account, then join or create an IPPC organization and verify your identity with appropriate documentation. After that, you can register and manage your IP assets (like trademarks, copyrights, and patents) through the platform to protect them from infringement on TikTok Shop.
Requirements
You must log in with a TikTok Shop seller account (or create one)
You must belong to an IPPC organization—either join an existing one or create a new one
You must verify your identity: businesses submit a business license or incorporation document; individuals submit a US passport or driver's license
You can only register IP assets that are active in the country where you want protection
Why it matters
Without completing account setup and identity verification, you won't be able to register your IP or take action against counterfeiters and infringers on TikTok Shop.
TikTok Shop sellers and IP rights owners who want to register and protect their intellectual property on the platform
The Intellectual Property Protection Center (IPPC) is a centralized tool that lets IP rights owners upload and verify their intellectual property documents, search TikTok Shop for potential infringements, and submit and track IP complaints all in one place. Instead of managing IP issues through email or scattered reports, you use IPPC to store your IP assets, identify violations, and monitor complaint progress.
Requirements
Upload and verify IP documents (registrations, certifications, etc.) to your IPPC account
Search TikTok Shop products, videos, and livestreams to identify possible IP infringements
Submit and track IP complaints through the IPPC complaint management system
Link your seller account to IPPC to sync brand authorizations and skip the KYC process
Why it matters
Using IPPC speeds up infringement reviews, reduces manual effort on repeat complaints, and gives you a transparent way to track the status of your IP claims instead of relying on email confirmations.
TikTok Shop sellers and brand representatives who want to report product, video, or LIVE infringement through the Intellectual Property Protection Center
You can create or join one or more IPPC organizations to report intellectual property infringement on TikTok. The process is streamlined if you link your seller account to your IPPC account, which automatically syncs your brand authorizations and skips the identity verification step.
Requirements
You can join or create more than one IPPC organization
Link your seller account to your IPPC account to auto-sync brand authorizations and skip KYC verification
Uploading documents to IPPC speeds up the review process when you report infringement
Why it matters
Linking your accounts saves time on both verification and infringement review, letting you protect your intellectual property faster.
TikTok Shop sellers signing up for IPPC and creating a new seller organization
To create a seller organization in the Intellectual Property Protection Center (IPPC), you must sync your TikTok Shop seller account and then submit official documentation to verify your organization's identity. The specific documents you need to provide depend on whether your IP assets are owned by a business entity or another type of organization.
Requirements
Only available when you sign up for IPPC by syncing your TikTok Shop seller account
Click "Create Seller Organization" from your account menu
Submit identity verification documentation
For business entities owning IP assets, provide IRS-issued documents (Business License, Certificate of Incorporation, EIN assignment letter, or specific IRS forms like CP 575)
Why it matters
Without proper documentation submission and verification, you won't be able to establish an organization in IPPC to protect your intellectual property.
Sellers and creators protecting IP assets owned by a business entity through TikTok's Intellectual Property Protection Center
When you register a business entity to protect intellectual property on TikTok's IPPC platform, you need to prove your business's identity using official IRS or government documents. TikTok accepts several types of documentation as valid proof.
Requirements
Submit one of these IRS-issued or government documents: Business License, Certificate of Incorporation, Certificate of Good Standing, or Letter regarding EIN assignment
Individual IP asset owners registering intellectual property protection on TikTok's Intellectual Property Protection Center (IPPC)
When you register an intellectual property asset on TikTok's IPPC that you own as an individual, you need to provide government-issued ID to verify your identity. TikTok accepts a limited list of specific ID types as proof.
Requirements
Select "Individual" when the IP asset is owned by a person, not a business
Provide one of these approved ID types: US Passport, US Passport Card, US Driver's License, US State ID, or US Permanent Resident Card
Submit the ID as proof of your identity during registration
Why it matters
Without proper ID verification, your IP asset registration may be rejected, leaving your intellectual property unprotected on the platform.
Sellers and creators registering IP assets or using TikTok's Intellectual Property Protection Center who submit US government-issued identity documents
When you submit identity documents like a US Passport, Passport Card, Driver's License, State ID, or Permanent Resident Card to TikTok's Intellectual Property Protection Center, the platform will review your documentation. You'll receive an email notification with the outcome of your identity verification.
Requirements
Accepted documents: US Passport, Passport Card, Driver's License, State ID, or Permanent Resident Card
Your IP asset must be active in the country where you want to protect it
If registering copyright, you must submit a copyright registration certificate from the US Copyright Office
Verification outcome will be communicated via email
Why it matters
Properly verifying your identity and registering your IP assets prevents unauthorized use of your intellectual property and protects your brand on the platform.
Creators and sellers registering intellectual property assets (particularly copyrights) in the TikTok Intellectual Property Protection Center
When registering an IP asset for protection in the IPPC, you must ensure the asset is actively being used in the country where you want to protect it. If you're claiming a Registered Copyright, you need to provide either an official US Copyright Office registration certificate or a written statement declaring you own the copyright; if you don't have either, you should register it as Unregistered Copyright instead.
Requirements
IP asset must be active in the country where you seek protection
For Registered Copyright claims: submit either a US Copyright Office certificate or a written copyright claim statement
If you lack official registration, select Unregistered Copyright instead
TikTok will notify you via email about your application outcome
Why it matters
Failing to meet these requirements will result in your application being rejected, and you'll need to reapply with correct documentation to protect your intellectual property on the platform.
Creators and sellers registering trademarks or copyrights on TikTok's Intellectual Property Protection Center (IPPC)
When you register IP assets (trademarks or copyrights) on TikTok's Intellectual Property Protection Center, you must submit specific official documents—and TikTok will review them before approval. Submitting documents doesn't guarantee registration; your IP must be active in the country where you seek protection.
Requirements
For trademarks: Submit the official USPTO certificate, renewal certificates if renewed, and ownership change documents if applicable—not screenshots or WIPO portal extracts
For registered copyrights: Submit a US Copyright Office registration certificate or a copyright claim statement declaring ownership
Your IP asset must be active in the country where you want protection
TikTok reviews all documents and decides whether registration will be approved
Why it matters
Registering your IP correctly protects your intellectual property on the platform and helps TikTok enforce takedowns against infringing content.
Sellers and creators submitting copyright or trademark claims through the Intellectual Property Protection Center (IPPC)
When registering a copyright or trademark in the IPPC, you must provide official government-issued certificates and ownership documentation. TikTok does not accept screenshots or informal documentation as proof of ownership.
Requirements
For copyrights: Submit official copyright certificate or copyright claim statement, an image/video of the copyrighted material, and proof of ownership
For trademarks: Submit official USPTO-issued trademark certificate, plus renewal certificate if applicable, and change of ownership documentation if applicable
Do not submit screenshots or extracts from World... [text appears incomplete]
Why it matters
Submitting improper documentation will result in your claim being rejected, delaying your ability to protect your intellectual property on the platform.
Creators and sellers claiming copyright protection for unregistered photos, videos, or live streams on TikTok
When claiming copyright protection for content you haven't officially registered, TikTok requires you to submit the original, unedited source file along with metadata and timestamp to prove you created it. For photos, you should also upload multiple shots of the same subject from different angles or behind-the-scenes photos. For videos, you need to show a screenshot of your logged-in account if it's been posted, or other ownership proof if it hasn't.
Requirements
Submit raw, original files with timestamp and metadata (no edits, overlays, or watermarks)
For photos: include multiple shots of the same subject in the same setting from different angles or behind-the-scenes shots
For posted videos/LIVEs: provide a screenshot showing you logged into the account that posted it
For unposted videos: provide any evidence proving your ownership
Why it matters
Proper documentation is essential to successfully enforce copyright claims and protect your original content from being copied on the platform.
Creators filing intellectual property claims for unregistered copyrights on photos or videos in the IPPC
When you claim ownership of an unregistered copyright (a photo or video you created), you must provide the original, unedited file with its timestamp and metadata as proof. TikTok also requires supporting evidence—additional photos from the same shoot or a screenshot showing you logged into the account where you originally posted the content.
Requirements
Submit the raw, original file with timestamp and metadata (no edits, overlays, or watermarks)
For photos: include a set of supporting shots from the same subject/setting, taken from different angles or behind-the-scenes
For videos posted online: provide a screenshot showing you logged into the account that posted it
Original file must not have been modified
Why it matters
Without proper proof of original creation and ownership, TikTok cannot verify your copyright claim and may reject your request to remove infringing content.
TikTok Shop sellers and creators filing design infringement complaints through the Intellectual Property Protection Center (IPPC)
The IPPC tool lets you register a Registered Design, but you cannot use it to file a complaint about design infringement—you must submit complaints through a separate webform instead. If your complaint is rejected, you cannot appeal it; instead, you must submit a brand new complaint with additional or new information.
Requirements
Use the IPPC to register a Registered Design (with USPTO certificate and six-view images)
Use a separate webform to submit design infringement complaints, not the IPPC
Do not attempt to appeal rejected complaints—submit a new complaint instead with new or additional evidence
Why it matters
Using the wrong tool or process delays your complaint, and rejected complaints cannot be appealed, so you need to understand the correct submission method upfront to protect your intellectual property.
Brand owners and intellectual property rights holders submitting trademark, overuse, or unauthorized use complaints through the IPPC
When you submit an intellectual property complaint to TikTok's IPPC, you need to provide specific types of evidence depending on your claim—such as side-by-side product comparisons for counterfeits, screenshots showing wrong brand associations, images of unauthorized logo use, or timestamped content showing unauthorized use in videos. You can submit additional evidence beyond what's listed, but TikTok won't accept certain types of notices detailed in their full IP policy.
Requirements
Counterfeit/trademark claims: Submit side-by-side images of authentic vs. counterfeit products
Provide images showing unauthorized use of your brand's logo
Unauthorized video/live use:
Include timestamped screenshots proving when infringement occurred
Design complaints cannot be submitted through IPPC—use the separate webform instead
Why it matters
Who this applies to
Copyright owners filing infringement complaints through TikTok's Intellectual Property Protection Center
If you own copyrighted material and believe someone on TikTok is selling unauthorized copies or using your work without permission, you can file a copyright complaint through the Intellectual Property Protection Center. You need to provide specific visual evidence showing exactly where and how your copyrighted work has been misused.
Requirements
Submit side-by-side images comparing your authentic product with the alleged pirated copy
Provide photos or screenshots showing where your copyrighted work was used without authorization
Include clear images with a 1:1 match between the infringing listing and your copyrighted work
For video/livestream violations, submit timestamped screenshots showing when and where unauthorized use occurred
Why it matters
Submitting complete, specific evidence strengthens your complaint and increases the likelihood that TikTok will take action against infringing sellers.
Content creators and copyright holders reporting infringement through the Intellectual Property Protection Center (IPPC)
This rule explains how to report copyright infringement to TikTok when someone uses your copyrighted images or content without permission. You must provide clear evidence showing exactly where and how your work was used on a product listing, video, or live content, with a direct match between what was stolen and what you created.
Requirements
Provide images showing exactly where your copyrighted work appears on the infringing product listing
Ensure a 1:1 match between the product listing and your original copyrighted work
For video or live content infringement, submit timestamped screenshots showing when and where unauthorized use occurred
Document the specific unauthorized use (e.g., product photos used without permission, pirated software enabled by a device listing)
Why it matters
Providing complete, timestamped evidence increases your chances of having infringing content removed and protects your intellectual property from being exploited on the platform without compensation.
All TikTok creators and sellers posting content that references registered trademarks
You cannot use another person's registered trademark on TikTok without their permission if it's likely to confuse people about the source, sponsorship, or affiliation of products or services. However, you can use trademarks for legitimate purposes like posting product reviews, comparisons, or commentary about the trademark owner's goods or services.
Requirements
Cannot use another's trademark without permission in connection with goods/services if it causes confusion about source or sponsorship
Can reference trademarks for product reviews, lawful commentary, criticism, parody, or comparison
Cannot authorize others to post trademark-infringing content
Trademark infringement violates TikTok's Terms of Service and Community Guidelines
Why it matters
Using another's trademark without permission can result in content removal, strikes against your account, and potential bans from TikTok.
All TikTok creators and sellers posting content that references branded products or services
You cannot use another person's registered trademark on TikTok without their permission if it's likely to confuse people about the source, origin, sponsorship, or affiliation of goods or services. However, you can lawfully reference, review, criticize, or compare products using the trademark as a way to identify them.
Requirements
Do not use another's registered trademark without permission in a way that causes confusion about product source or sponsorship
You can lawfully reference trademarks when: accurately identifying a product you're reviewing, criticizing, parodying, or comparing
Do not post content that infringes copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights
Why it matters
Trademark violations can result in content removal and account strikes or bans; using trademarks legitimately for reviews and comparisons helps you stay compliant while still discussing branded products.
Submitting complete, properly formatted evidence increases the likelihood your complaint will be accepted and processed, while rejected complaints cannot be appealed—you'll need to resubmit with new information.
