Intellectual Property Policy

TikTok · agreement dated April 26, 2025 · Official agreement

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Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Context

This version was released March 27, 2025 and took effect April 26, 2025

The policy states two dates: it was released on March 27, 2025 and became effective on April 26, 2025. These are the dates of the policy text as published here; the document does not describe any earlier or later version.

Details
When
Released March 27, 2025
When
Effective April 26, 2025

Supporting quotations

Released March 27, 2025
Effective April 26, 2025

Qualifications & exceptions

  • Dates are those stated in the document header.

Not stated here

  • The document does not say what changed from any earlier version.

Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception

Users must comply with the Terms of Service and Community Guidelines, which bar infringing content

TikTok says it respects the intellectual property rights of others and requires compliance with its Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. It states that those two documents do not allow content that violates or infringes someone else's intellectual property rights, and it names copyright and trademark as the covered kinds of rights. The rest of this policy then sets out how TikTok handles copyright and trademark complaints.

Details
Who
TikTok
What it covers
content that violates or infringes someone else's intellectual property rights, including copyright and trademark

Supporting quotations

TikTok respects the intellectual property rights of others and requires compliance with the Terms of Service and Community Guidelines which do not allow content that violates or infringes someone else's intellectual property rights, including copyright and trademark.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • The prohibition is stated as being in the Terms of Service and Community Guidelines; this policy describes it rather than restating those documents' text.
  • The named kinds of rights are copyright and trademark ("including" does not make the list exhaustive).

Not stated here

  • The linked Terms of Service and Community Guidelines are not part of this document, so their exact wording is not covered here.

Content & IP Rights · Procedure

Under the EU Copyright Directive heading, a separate form lets rightsholders enquire about licensing works to TikTok

Under the heading "EU Copyright Directive", the policy says that, pursuant to Article 17 of the Copyright Directive (EU 2019/790), a person who wants to make an enquiry about granting TikTok an authorisation to make their copyright-protected works available on TikTok should use the linked licensing form. TikTok says it will review the request and be in touch.

Details
Where
EU (Article 17 of Copyright Directive (EU 2019/790))
What it does
enquire about granting TikTok an authorisation; TikTok reviews and responds

Supporting quotations

EU Copyright Directive
Pursuant to Article 17 of the Copyright Directive (EU 2019/790), if you want to make an enquiry about granting an authorisation to TikTok to make your copyright-protected works available on TikTok, please use this form.
We will review your request and be in touch.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • The passage is introduced by the "EU Copyright Directive" label and cites Article 17 of Directive (EU 2019/790).
  • "Be in touch" is not a commitment to grant a licence.

Not stated here

  • The Directive is cited by name only and is not supplied here; the policy does not say whether the form is limited to people in the EU.
  • The linked licensing form is not part of this document, so what it asks for is not covered here.

Content & IP Rights · Company commitment

TikTok will do its best to make requested works unavailable in the EU after validating the request

A person who wants music or audiovisual works made unavailable in the EU must file the linked EU requests form and give relevant and necessary information about themselves and their copyrighted works. After receiving the information and validating the request, TikTok says it will do its best to ensure the copyrighted work is made unavailable on TikTok in the EU.

Details
Where
EU
What it covers
music or audiovisual works
Condition
TikTok receives the information and validates the request

Supporting quotations

If you want to request that your music or audiovisual works are made unavailable in the EU, we need you to file this form.
Upon receiving this information and validating your request, TikTok will do its best to ensure that your copyrighted work is made unavailable on TikTok in the EU.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • The commitment is to "do its best", not to guarantee unavailability.
  • It applies after TikTok receives the information and validates the request, and it concerns availability in the EU.
  • The passage names music and audiovisual works.

Not stated here

  • The policy does not say what validation involves or how long it takes.
  • The linked EU requests form is not part of this document, so what it asks for is not covered here.

Content & IP Rights · Company commitment

On request, TikTok will use best efforts to keep a removed video from reappearing

When submitting a report through the online Copyright Infringement Report form, a rightsholder can ask TikTok to prevent future copies of the video from re-appearing. If so, and where a video is removed because of the report, TikTok says it will use its best efforts to prevent the same video from re-appearing on the platform.

Details
Who
TikTok
Condition
requested in the online report form; video removed due to the report
What it covers
the same video

Supporting quotations

You may ask us to prevent future copies of a video from re-appearing on the platform when you submit a report via our online Copyright Infringement Report form.
If you do so, and where a video is removed due to your report, we will use our best efforts to prevent the same video from re-appearing on the platform.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • The request must be made when submitting a report through the online form.
  • The commitment applies only where the video is removed due to the report, and only to "the same video".
  • The commitment is "best efforts", not a guarantee.

Not stated here

  • The paragraph follows the "EU Copyright Directive" material but does not itself say it is limited to the EU.
  • The policy does not say how TikTok identifies the same video or how long it keeps preventing reappearance.

Retention & Deletion · Company practice

Outside the EU: in-app notice of copyright removal; content is later deleted and cannot be reinstated

For users located outside the European Union, TikTok says the user gets an in-app notification if content is removed because of a copyright infringement report. TikTok deletes the removed content after a period of time in accordance with applicable laws and its data retention policy. After deletion, the content can no longer be reinstated.

Details
Where
users located outside the European Union
What it does
in-app notification; deletion after a period; no reinstatement after deletion
When
after a period of time; after the deletion

Supporting quotations

If you are a user located outside of the European Union
You'll receive an in-app notification if your content has been removed due to a copyright infringement report.
We delete the removed content after a period of time in accordance with applicable laws and our data retention policy. After the deletion, your content can no longer be reinstated.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • This subsection is for users located outside the EU.
  • Deletion happens "after a period of time" under applicable laws and the data retention policy.
  • Reinstatement is stated as impossible only after the deletion.

Not stated here

  • The length of the period before deletion is not stated, and the data retention policy is referred to but not supplied.

Cross-references

Content & IP Rights · User right or choice

A user outside the EU who thinks a removal was in error can ask the copyright owner for a retraction

A user located outside the EU who believes their content was removed in error, or who believes they are authorised to use it, can reach out to the copyright owner directly to request a retraction. This is a route to the copyright owner; the passage does not say TikTok will act on the retraction.

Details
Who
user whose content was removed
What it does
reach out to the copyright owner to request a retraction
Where
outside the European Union (by the subsection heading)

Supporting quotations

If you believe your content has been removed in error or believe that you are authorised to use the content, you can reach out to the copyright owner directly to request a retraction.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • Applies to users located outside the EU, by the subsection heading.
  • It is a request to the copyright owner, who is not stated to be obliged to agree.

Not stated here

  • The passage does not say what TikTok does if the owner retracts.

Content & IP Rights · Procedure

A user outside the EU can appeal a copyright removal in the app and must supply required information

In the subsection for users located outside the EU, TikTok says the user can submit an appeal within the app, reached from the in-app notification. TikTok notes that the United States DMCA or similar laws in other countries give instructions on how an affected user can appeal by submitting a compliant counter-notification. To help evaluate the appeal, the user must provide all required information, including contact information and any evidence supporting the claim. TikTok may contact the user with questions. Leaving out necessary information may limit TikTok's ability to investigate and may result in the appeal being denied.

Details
Where
users located outside the European Union
What it does
submit an appeal within the TikTok app
Condition
provide all required information including contact information and evidence

Supporting quotations

You may also submit an appeal within the TikTok app, which can be accessed from the in-app notification sent to you.
the United States DMCA or similar laws in other countries provide instructions on how an affected user can appeal a removal by submitting a compliant counter-notification
you'll need to provide all required information, including your contact information and any evidence to support your claim
Failure to include necessary information may limit our ability to investigate your claims and may result in your appeal being denied.
If you are a user located outside of the European Union

Qualifications & exceptions

  • Applies to users located outside the EU, by the subsection heading preceding this paragraph.
  • Failing to include necessary information "may" limit investigation and "may" lead to denial.
  • The counter-notification requirements are those of the DMCA or similar laws; this paragraph does not list them.

Not stated here

  • The policy does not list the "required information" beyond contact information and supporting evidence.
Also annotated in the same passage (1)

Sharing & Disclosure · Company practice

TikTok may forward a non-EU user's entire copyright appeal, including contact details, to the original reporter

For users located outside the EU, TikTok says that where appropriate and authorised by law, it will forward the entire appeal to the original reporter, including any contact information the user provides, in accordance with its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. TikTok warns that the copyright claimant may use this information to file a lawsuit against the user, for example an action seeking a court order to keep the content down under the United States DMCA or similar laws in other countries.

Details
Who
TikTok
What it does
forward the entire appeal, including contact information, to the original reporter
Condition
where appropriate and authorised by law
Where
users located outside the EU

Supporting quotations

where appropriate and authorised by law, we will forward your entire appeal to the original reporter, including any contact information you provide, in accordance with our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
The copyright claimant may use this information to file a lawsuit against you.
For example, the copyright claimant may file an action seeking a court order to keep the content down pursuant to the United States DMCA or similar laws in other countries.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • Forwarding happens "where appropriate and authorised by law", and is described as in accordance with the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
  • The whole appeal and any contact information provided can be forwarded, not only a summary.
  • The lawsuit example is given as something the claimant "may" do.
  • Applies to users located outside the EU, by the subsection heading.

Not stated here

  • The Terms of Service and Privacy Policy are referred to but not supplied here, so the limits they place on forwarding are not covered.
  • "Where appropriate" is not defined.
Also annotated in the same passage (1)

Content & IP Rights · Company practice

Content may be reinstated at TikTok's sole discretion if it does not infringe or no court action is reported

For users located outside the EU, TikTok says it may reinstate content if the content does not infringe the rightsholder's copyright, or if TikTok does not receive notice that the copyright claimant has filed an action seeking a court order to keep the content down under the United States DMCA or similar laws in other countries. The decision to reinstate any content is at TikTok's sole discretion. This sits alongside the earlier statement that once removed content has been deleted it can no longer be reinstated, so reinstatement can only apply while the content has not yet been deleted.

Details
Who
TikTok
What it does
reinstate the content
Condition
content does not infringe, or no notice of a court action is received
Exception
after deletion the content can no longer be reinstated

Supporting quotations

We may reinstate your content if the content does not infringe on the rightsholder's copyright or we do not receive notice that the copyright claimant has filed an action seeking a court order to keep the content down pursuant to the United States DMCA or similar laws in other countries.
The decision to reinstate any content is at TikTok’s sole discretion.
After the deletion, your content can no longer be reinstated.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • Reinstatement is a "may", and the decision is at TikTok's "sole discretion".
  • Two stated grounds: the content does not infringe, or no notice of a court action is received.
  • Reinstatement is no longer possible after deletion, per the earlier subsection text.

Not stated here

  • The policy does not say how long TikTok waits for notice of a court action before deciding.
  • The passage does not say who determines whether the content infringes.

Cross-references

Retention & Deletion · Company practice

Users in the EU: in-app notice of copyright removal; content is later deleted and cannot be reinstated

For users located in the European Union, TikTok says the user gets an in-app notification if content is removed because of a copyright infringement report. TikTok deletes the removed content after a period of time in accordance with applicable laws and its data retention policy. After deletion, the content can no longer be reinstated.

Details
Where
users located in the European Union
What it does
in-app notification; deletion after a period; no reinstatement after deletion

Supporting quotations

If you are a user located in the European Union
You'll receive an in-app notification if your content has been removed due to a copyright infringement report.
We delete the removed content after a period of time in accordance with applicable laws and our data retention policy. After the deletion, your content can no longer be reinstated.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • This subsection is for users located in the EU.
  • Deletion happens "after a period of time" under applicable laws and the data retention policy.

Not stated here

  • The length of the period before deletion is not stated, and the data retention policy is referred to but not supplied.
Also annotated in the same passage (1)

Content & IP Rights · User right or choice

A user in the EU who believes they have the right to post the content can appeal in the app

For users located in the EU, if the user receives a copyright infringement report and believes they have the right to post the content in question, they can submit an appeal within the app, reached from the in-app notification. The EU subsection does not repeat the non-EU text about counter-notifications, forwarding the appeal to the reporter or reinstatement criteria, so this policy does not say whether or how those apply to EU appeals.

Details
Where
users located in the European Union
What it does
submit an appeal within the TikTok app
Condition
user believes they have the right to post the content

Supporting quotations

If you receive a copyright infringement report and believe that you have the right to post the content in question, you can submit an appeal within the TikTok app, which can be accessed from the in-app notification sent to you.
If you are a user located in the European Union

Qualifications & exceptions

  • Applies to users located in the EU, by the subsection heading.
  • The appeal is available where the user believes they have the right to post the content.

Not stated here

  • The EU subsection does not say what TikTok does with an EU appeal, whether it is forwarded to the reporter, or on what basis content may be restored; absence here does not show those do not occur.
Also annotated in the same passage (1)

Content & IP Rights · User right or choice

Under EU law, fair quotation, criticism, review, caricature, parody or pastiche is allowed without the holder's consent

In the subsection for EU users, TikTok says that under EU law users are allowed to use copyright works without the copyright holder's authorization for quotation, criticism, review, and for caricature, parody or pastiche, provided the use is fair. It adds that EU countries may provide additional exceptions, and that the following paragraphs give further information on the exceptions and limitations available in the EU. This describes what EU law is said to allow; it is not a separate permission granted by TikTok.

Details
Where
European Union
Condition
provided that such use is fair
Exception
EU countries may provide additional exceptions

Supporting quotations

Under EU law, users are allowed to use copyright works without the authorization of the copyright holder for quotation, criticism, review and for the purpose of caricature, parody or pastiche provided that such use is fair.
EU countries may also provide for additional exceptions.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • The statement is about EU law and applies in the EU subsection.
  • The exceptions apply only "provided that such use is fair", with fairness criteria set out in a later paragraph.
  • EU countries "may also provide for additional exceptions", so the list is not exhaustive.

Not stated here

  • The EU law behind these exceptions is described but not supplied here.

Cross-references

Content & IP Rights · Context

Quotation, criticism and review are described as using an extract to illustrate, defend, debate, criticise or review

The policy explains that quotation is using an extract from a copyright-protected work for purposes such as illustrating an assertion, defending an opinion or engaging in debate. It adds that quotations may also be used to criticise a copyrighted work (for example critical commentary on a movie) or to review one (for example reviewing a book or an album). This is explanatory information within the EU exceptions discussion.

Details
What it covers
an extract from a copyright-protected work
Why
illustrating an assertion, defending an opinion, engaging in debate, criticising or reviewing

Supporting quotations

Quotation, criticism and review
Quotation is the use of an extract from a copyright-protected work for purposes such as illustrating an assertion, defending an opinion or engaging in debate.
Quotations may also be used for the purposes of criticising a copyrighted work (e.g. critical commentary on a movie) or reviewing one (e.g. reviewing a book or an album).

Qualifications & exceptions

  • The explanation sits in the EU subsection and relates to the EU exceptions, which apply only if the use is fair.
  • The purposes listed are introduced with "such as", so they are examples.

Content & IP Rights · Context

Caricature, parody and pastiche are described as exaggeration, mockery and incorporation of other works' elements

The policy explains that caricatures aim at exaggerating or distorting reality, usually for humorous purposes. A parody evokes an existing copyrighted work while being noticeably different from it and should be an expression of humor or mockery. A pastiche usually incorporates distinctive elements from other works or styles into a new work. This is explanatory information within the EU exceptions discussion.

Details
What it covers
existing copyrighted works or distinctive elements of other works or styles

Supporting quotations

Caricature, parody and pastiche
Caricatures aim at exaggerating or distorting reality, usually for humorous purposes.
A parody will evoke an existing copyrighted work while being noticeably different from it and should constitute an expression of humor or mockery.
A pastiche will usually incorporate distinctive elements from other works or styles into a new work.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • The explanation sits in the EU subsection and relates to the EU exceptions, which apply only if the use is fair.
  • The descriptions use "usually" and "should", so they are not strict definitions.

Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception

An EU exception applies only if the use is fair: no longer than necessary, acknowledged, and not unreasonably harmful

For a use of a copyrighted work to come within an exception or limitation, the policy says it must be fair. Where applicable, this means the use should be no longer than necessary, accompanied by sufficient acknowledgement of the source material, and not unreasonably harm the legitimate interests of the rightholder.

Details
Condition
use must be fair: (i) no longer than necessary; (ii) sufficient acknowledgement; (iii) not unreasonably harm the rightholder's legitimate interests
Where
EU subsection

Supporting quotations

In order for any use of copyrighted work to come within an exception or limitation, it must be fair.
This means that it should, where applicable: (i) be no longer than necessary; (ii) be accompanied by sufficient acknowledgement of the source material and (iii) not unreasonably harm the legitimate interests of the rightholder.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • The three criteria are introduced with "where applicable", so not every criterion applies to every use.
  • It sits in the EU subsection, where the exceptions are described as EU law.

Not stated here

  • The policy does not say how TikTok judges whether a use meets the criteria.

Cross-references

Content & IP Rights · Context

A trademark identifies the source of a product or service and distinguishes it from others

The policy describes a trademark as a word, symbol, slogan, design, or a combination of these that identifies the source of a product or service and distinguishes it from other products or services.

Details
What it covers
word, symbol, slogan, design, or combination

Supporting quotations

A trademark is a word, symbol, slogan, design, or combination of any of the foregoing that identifies the source of a product or service and distinguishes it from other products or services.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • This is the policy's general description of the term.

Content & IP Rights · Context

Trademark infringement is generally unauthorized use of an identical or similar mark likely to cause confusion

The policy says trademark laws prohibit trademark infringement, which it describes as generally the unauthorized use of an identical or similar trademark or service mark in connection with goods or services in a way that is likely to cause confusion, deception or mistake about the source, origin, sponsorship or affiliation of the goods or services.

Details
What it covers
identical or similar trademark or service mark
Condition
in connection with goods or services; likely to cause confusion, deception or mistake

Supporting quotations

Trademark laws prohibit trademark infringement, which is generally the unauthorized use of an identical or a similar trademark or service mark in connection with goods or services in a way that is likely to cause confusion, deception or mistake about the source, origin, sponsorship or affiliation of the associated goods and/or services.
Trademark Infringement

Qualifications & exceptions

  • The description is introduced with "generally", so it is not a complete legal test.
  • The use must be in connection with goods or services and likely to cause confusion, deception or mistake.

Not stated here

  • The policy describes what trademark laws prohibit; it does not say how TikTok judges likelihood of confusion.

Cross-references

Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception

Using another's trademark to reference, comment on, parody, review or compare is generally not a violation

TikTok says that using another party's trademark for purposes of accurately referencing, lawfully commenting, criticizing, parodying, or reviewing the trademark owner's products or services, or comparing them to other products or services, is generally not considered a violation of its policies. This holds where the mark is not used to designate the user's own goods or services or those of a third party.

Details
Who
user
Why
accurately referencing, lawfully commenting, criticizing, parodying, reviewing or comparing
Condition
mark not used to designate the user's own or a third party's goods or services

Supporting quotations

At the same time, the use of another’s trademark for purposes of accurately referencing, lawfully commenting, criticizing, parodying, or reviewing the trademark owner’s products or services, or for purposes of comparing them to other products or services, where the mark is not used to designate the user’s own goods or services or those of a third party, is generally not considered a violation of our policies.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • The statement is "generally", not an absolute guarantee.
  • It applies only where the mark is not used to designate the user's own goods or services or those of a third party.
  • Commenting must be lawful and referencing accurate.

Not stated here

  • The passage does not say who decides whether a use is accurate or lawful.

Cross-references

Also annotated in the same passage (1)

Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception

A fan page about a brand is generally permissible without the brand's permission

TikTok says it is generally permissible to make a fan page about a brand even without the brand's permission, as long as the user does not claim to speak for or be associated with the brand and does not otherwise violate the brand's intellectual property rights.

Details
What it does
make a fan page about a brand
Condition
does not claim to speak for or be associated with the brand or otherwise violate its IP rights

Supporting quotations

Likewise, it is generally permissible to make a fan page about a brand, even without the brand’s permission, provided that the user does not claim to speak for or be associated with the brand or otherwise violate the brand’s intellectual property rights.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • The statement is "generally" permissible, not guaranteed.
  • It holds only if the user does not claim to speak for or be associated with the brand or otherwise violate the brand's intellectual property rights.
Also annotated in the same passage (1)

Content & IP Rights · Context

Counterfeiting is dealing in goods under an identical or substantially similar registered trademark without permission

The policy describes counterfeiting as the illegal manufacturing, importing and exporting, distributing, selling, facilitating the trade of, or otherwise dealing in goods under a trademark that is identical to or substantially similar to a registered trademark, without the trademark owner's permission, thereby infringing the owner's rights.

Details
What it covers
goods under an identical or substantially similar registered trademark
Condition
without the trademark owner's permission

Supporting quotations

Counterfeiting is the illegal manufacturing, importing and exporting, distributing, selling, facilitating the trade of, or otherwise dealing in goods under a trademark that is identical to or substantially similar to a registered trademark, without the trademark owner's permission, thereby infringing the rights of the trademark owner.
Counterfeiting

Qualifications & exceptions

  • The description concerns goods under a trademark identical or substantially similar to a registered trademark, without the owner's permission.

Content & IP Rights · Company practice

Content that violates another's trademark rights may be taken down

TikTok says any content that violates another party's trademark rights may be taken down.

Details
Who
TikTok
What it does
take down content
Condition
content violates another's trademark rights

Supporting quotations

Any content that violates another’s trademark rights may be taken down

Qualifications & exceptions

  • Takedown is stated with "may", so it is discretionary on the face of the text.

Cross-references

Also annotated in the same passage (2)

Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception

Buying, selling, trading, promoting or soliciting counterfeit goods is not permitted and the content will be removed

TikTok says it does not permit the purchase, sale, trade, promotion, or solicitation of counterfeit goods on TikTok and will remove such content.

Details
Who
TikTok
What it does
remove content
What it covers
counterfeit goods

Supporting quotations

we do not permit the purchase, sale, trade, promotion, or solicitation of counterfeit goods on TikTok, and will remove such content

Qualifications & exceptions

  • The prohibition covers purchase, sale, trade, promotion and solicitation of counterfeit goods on TikTok.

Not stated here

  • The passage does not say how TikTok decides that goods are counterfeit.
Also annotated in the same passage (2)

Content & IP Rights · Company practice

Trademark violations through LIVE may lead to a temporary LIVE restriction

In some cases, for trademark violations in connection with the use of the LIVE feature, TikTok says it may also temporarily restrict the violating user's access to LIVE.

Details
Who
TikTok
What it does
temporarily restrict access to LIVE
Condition
trademark violations in connection with the use of LIVE, in some cases

Supporting quotations

In some cases, for trademark violations in connection with the use of the LIVE feature, we may also temporarily restrict access to the LIVE feature of the violating user.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • Applies "in some cases" and only for trademark violations in connection with LIVE.
  • The restriction is "temporary" and stated with "may".

Not stated here

  • The passage does not say how long a LIVE restriction lasts or what ends it, or what makes a case one of the "some cases".
Also annotated in the same passage (2)

Account & Service Control · Company practice

Accounts of repeat trademark infringers may be banned, and severe cases immediately

TikTok says it has adopted and reasonably implemented a repeat infringer policy under which, in appropriate circumstances, it bans the account of a user who repeatedly commits trademark infringement. It may use its discretion to ban an account immediately in cases of severe trademark violations.

Details
Who
TikTok
What it does
ban the account
Condition
user repeatedly commits trademark infringement, or severe trademark violation

Supporting quotations

under which we, in appropriate circumstances, ban the account of a user who repeatedly commits trademark infringement.
We may exercise our discretion to immediately ban any account in cases of severe trademark violations.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • Bans for repeat infringement apply "in appropriate circumstances", not automatically.
  • Immediate bans are tied to "severe" violations and TikTok's discretion.

Not stated here

  • The passage does not define "repeatedly", "appropriate circumstances" or "severe", and does not give a number of infringements.
Also annotated in the same passage (1)

Account & Service Control · Company practice

TikTok reserves the right to refuse a new account to a holder whose account was used for improper activities

TikTok reserves the right to refuse an account holder whose account was used for improper activities from opening a new TikTok account. The sentence sits in the trademark removal and bans subsection, but its wording refers to "improper activities" rather than naming trademark infringement.

Details
Who
TikTok
What it does
refuse the account holder from opening a new account
Condition
account was used for improper activities

Supporting quotations

We reserve the right to refuse any account holder whose account was used for improper activities from opening a new TikTok account.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • It is a reserved right, not a statement that every such holder is refused.
  • Scope is account holders whose account "was used for improper activities".

Not stated here

  • "Improper activities" is not defined in this passage, so it is unclear whether it is limited to trademark infringement.
Also annotated in the same passage (1)

Content & IP Rights · Procedure

Trademark owners are encouraged, not required, to contact the user first

A person who believes someone has infringed their trademark rights is encouraged to contact that user first, aiming for a quick and direct resolution. The wording is an encouragement; it does not make contacting the user a condition of reporting.

Details
Who
person who believes someone infringed their trademark rights
What it does
encouraged to contact the user first

Supporting quotations

you are encouraged to first contact the user for a quick and direct resolution of the matter
Information for Rightsholders: Trademark Infringement Report

Qualifications & exceptions

  • "Encouraged to first contact" is advice; the next paragraph says a person "may also" file a report.

Content & IP Rights · Procedure

Trademark owners can file a Trademark Infringement Report through an online form or in the app

A trademark owner may file a Trademark Infringement Report to ask TikTok to remove allegedly infringing content, through the online form or in the app. All reports should contain the information requested in the online form. TikTok may contact the reporter with additional questions. Leaving out necessary information may limit TikTok's ability to investigate and may result in the report being denied. Before reporting, the reporter should consider the applicability of permitted acts under trademark laws.

Details
Who
trademark owner
What it does
file a Trademark Infringement Report
Condition
report should contain the information requested in the online form

Supporting quotations

You may also file a Trademark Infringement Report to request the removal of the alleged infringing content from TikTok via our online form or in-app.
All reports should contain the information requested in our online Trademark Infringement Report form.
Failure to include necessary information may limit our ability to investigate your claims and may result in your report being denied.
Before submitting a report, you should consider the applicability of permitted acts under trademark laws.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • Failing to include necessary information "may" limit investigation and "may" lead to denial.
  • The reporter is told to consider permitted acts under trademark laws; this is advice before reporting.

Not stated here

  • The linked online form is not part of this document, so the information it asks for is not covered here.
  • The passage does not describe what TikTok does after a report beyond possible removal.
Also annotated in the same passage (2)

Sharing & Disclosure · Company practice

TikTok may give the user information about a trademark report, such as the trademark owner's name

If someone submits a trademark report, TikTok may provide the affected user with information about the report, such as the name of the trademark owner. "Such as" shows the example is not a complete list.

Details
Who
TikTok
What it does
provide the user with information about the report
What it covers
information about the report, such as the name of the trademark owner

Supporting quotations

We may provide the user with information about your report, such as the name of the trademark owner.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • Disclosure is stated with "may", and the name of the trademark owner is given only as an example.

Not stated here

  • The passage does not list what other report information may be shared or when it is withheld.
Also annotated in the same passage (2)

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Restriction or exception

A misleading or fraudulent trademark report will be denied and may lead to liability for damages

TikTok warns that intentionally submitting a misleading or fraudulent trademark report will result in the report being denied and may lead to liability for damages under applicable laws.

Details
Condition
intentionally submitting a misleading or fraudulent report

Supporting quotations

intentionally submitting a misleading or fraudulent report will result in your report being denied and may lead to liability for damages under applicable laws

Qualifications & exceptions

  • Denial applies to reports submitted "intentionally" in a misleading or fraudulent way.
  • Liability for damages is stated as something that "may" follow under applicable laws; no specific law is named.

Not stated here

  • The applicable laws are not identified in this passage.
Also annotated in the same passage (2)

Retention & Deletion · Company practice

Users are notified of a trademark removal in the app; removed content is later deleted and will not be reinstated

TikTok says the user gets an in-app notification if content is removed because of a trademark infringement report. TikTok deletes the removed content after a period of time in accordance with applicable laws and its data retention policy. After deletion, the content will no longer be reinstated. The subsection does not split users by region.

Details
What it does
in-app notification; deletion after a period; no reinstatement after deletion
When
after a period of time; after the deletion

Supporting quotations

You'll receive an in-app notification if your content has been removed due to a trademark infringement report.
We delete the removed content after a period of time in accordance with applicable laws and our data retention policy. After the deletion, your content will no longer be reinstated.
Information for Users: Trademark Infringement Appeal

Qualifications & exceptions

  • Deletion happens "after a period of time" under applicable laws and the data retention policy.
  • The no-reinstatement statement applies after deletion.
  • No EU or non-EU distinction is made in this subsection.

Not stated here

  • The length of the period before deletion is not stated, and the data retention policy is referred to but not supplied.

Cross-references

Content & IP Rights · User right or choice

A user who thinks a trademark removal was in error can ask the trademark owner for a retraction

A user who believes their content was removed in error, or who believes they are authorised to use it, can reach out to the trademark owner directly to request a retraction. This is a route to the trademark owner; the passage does not say TikTok will act on a retraction.

Details
Who
user whose content was removed
What it does
reach out to the trademark owner to request a retraction

Supporting quotations

If you believe your content has been removed in error or believe that you are authorised to use the content, you can reach out to the trademark owner directly to request a retraction.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • It is a request to the trademark owner, who is not stated to be obliged to agree.

Not stated here

  • The passage does not say what TikTok does if the owner retracts.

Content & IP Rights · Procedure

A user can appeal a trademark removal in the app and must supply required information

A user may submit an appeal within the app, reached from the in-app notification. The user must provide all required information, including contact information and any evidence supporting the claim. TikTok may contact the user with additional questions. Leaving out necessary information may limit TikTok's ability to investigate and may result in the appeal being denied.

Details
What it does
submit an appeal within the TikTok app
Condition
provide all required information including contact information and evidence

Supporting quotations

You may also submit an appeal within the TikTok app, which can be accessed from the in-app notification sent to you.
You'll need to provide all required information, including your contact information and any evidence to support your claim.
Failure to include necessary information may limit our ability to investigate your claims and may result in your appeal being denied.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • Failing to include necessary information "may" limit investigation and "may" lead to denial.

Not stated here

  • The policy does not list the "required information" beyond contact information and supporting evidence.
  • This subsection does not say what happens if an appeal succeeds or on what basis content may be restored, and it states deleted content will not be reinstated; the copyright section's reinstatement text is not stated to apply here.

Cross-references

Also annotated in the same passage (1)

Sharing & Disclosure · Company practice

TikTok may forward a trademark appeal, including contact details, to the original reporter

TikTok says that where appropriate and authorised by law, it will forward the user's appeal to the original reporter, including any contact information the user provides, in accordance with its Terms of Services and Privacy Policy.

Details
Who
TikTok
What it does
forward the appeal, including contact information, to the original reporter
Condition
where appropriate and authorised by law

Supporting quotations

Please note that, where appropriate and authorised by law, we will forward your appeal to the original reporter, including any contact information you provide, in accordance with our Terms of Services and Privacy Policy.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • Forwarding happens "where appropriate and authorised by law", and is described as in accordance with the Terms of Services and Privacy Policy.
  • The appeal and any contact information provided can be forwarded.

Not stated here

  • The Terms of Services and Privacy Policy are referred to but not supplied here, so the limits they place on forwarding are not covered.
  • "Where appropriate" is not defined.
  • Unlike the copyright appeal text, this passage does not warn that the reporter may use the information to bring a lawsuit; absence here does not show it cannot.
Also annotated in the same passage (1)

Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception

Users are responsible for the content they post

Under the General Note, TikTok states that, as a TikTok user, you are responsible for the content you post.

Details
Who
TikTok user
What it covers
content the user posts

Supporting quotations

As a TikTok user, you are responsible for the content you post.
General Note

Qualifications & exceptions

  • Applies to TikTok users with respect to content they post.

Not stated here

  • The passage does not say what consequences follow beyond those described elsewhere in the policy.
Also annotated in the same passage (1)

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Context

Users with questions about copyright or trademark law may want to contact an attorney

TikTok says users with questions about copyright law or trademark law, such as whether their content or their use of another person's name or brand infringes another person's rights, may want to contact an attorney. This is a suggestion, not a requirement.

Details
Who
user with questions about copyright or trademark law
What it does
may want to contact an attorney

Supporting quotations

If you have questions about copyright law or trademark law, such as questions about whether your content or your use of another person’s name or brand infringes or otherwise violates another person’s rights, you may want to contact an attorney.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • The wording is "may want to", so it is a suggestion.

Not stated here

  • TikTok does not offer legal advice in this passage and does not say whether it will answer such questions.
Also annotated in the same passage (1)

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Restriction or exception

TikTok does not adjudicate disputes between third parties and may not remove content or suspend a reported account

TikTok says it is not in a position to adjudicate disputes between third parties and may not be able to remove the content or suspend the account being reported. A report does not guarantee removal or suspension, which stands alongside the earlier statements that infringing content may be removed.

Details
Who
TikTok
What it does
not adjudicate disputes between third parties; may not remove content or suspend account

Supporting quotations

TikTok is not in a position to adjudicate disputes between third parties, and may not be able to remove the content or suspend the account being reported.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • Removal or suspension is described as something TikTok "may not be able to" do.
  • Applies to disputes between third parties.

Not stated here

  • The passage does not say when TikTok decides it cannot remove content or suspend an account.

Cross-references

Also annotated in the same passage (1)

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Company commitment

TikTok provides a dispute resolution mechanism and users or rightholders may seek other routes

TikTok says that, in accordance with its legal obligations, it provides users and rightholders with an intellectual property rights infringement dispute resolution mechanism. It adds that users or rightholders may have other ways to seek resolution, such as out-of-court dispute settlement processes or in-court proceedings under laws in their countries.

Details
Who
TikTok
What it does
provide a dispute resolution mechanism
Condition
in accordance with legal obligations
Where
laws in the person's country

Supporting quotations

In accordance with our legal obligations, we provide users and rightholders with an intellectual property rights infringement dispute resolution mechanism.
Users or rightholders may have other ways to seek resolution, such as out-of-court dispute settlement processes or in-court proceedings under laws in their countries.

Qualifications & exceptions

  • The mechanism is provided "in accordance with our legal obligations".
  • Other routes depend on the laws in the person's country and are described as "may have".

Not stated here

  • The passage does not say which part of the policy is the dispute resolution mechanism, though the report and appeal procedures appear elsewhere in the policy.
Also annotated in the same passage (1)