Avoiding Trademark Infringement With Your Shop Name & Avatar

These guidelines apply to all TikTok Shop sellers globally. To prevent customer confusion or misleading information, TikTok Shop maintains a strict policy against all forms of intellectual property (IP) infringement. This includes trademark infringement in a shop's name or avatar.

What is a trademark?

A trademark identifies a brand and sets it apart from other brands. It can be a:

• Word
• Symbol
• Slogan
• Design
• Or any combination of these

What is trademark infringement?

Trademark infringement is the use of a trademark without its owner's explicit consent. Infringement can include:

• Using another brand's name or logo in your shop name or avatar.
• Using an altered or partial version of a trademark.

Tips to avoid trademark infringement with your shop name and avatar

Important: These tips are not intended as legal advice. They do not provide an exhaustive account of all the steps you may need to undertake to avoid trademark infringement.

Best Practices

• Use an original name for your shop's brand name.
  • Names that are general and descriptive work well, as they are easier to search. Examples include "Outdoor Gear Collection Store" and "Handmade Jewelry Workshop".
• Use an original logo for your shop's avatar. Examples include images of landscapes or abstract art patterns.
• If you own a brand, ensure you have completed your brand authorization application before using your brand name and logo.

What to Avoid

• Do not use any brand's trademarks (such as names, logos, or designs) in your shop name or avatar unless you have permission.
  • If you do have permission, submit a Letter of Authorization through our Brand Authorization portal (a tool in the Seller Center for managing brand permissions) to confirm your rights. Wait for our approval before using the trademarks.
  • Even with approved Brand Authorization, you cannot name your shop or create an avatar that implies it is the official shop of that brand. This is only permitted if you have an Official Shop badge, which is a special designation for verified brand owners. Examples that are not allowed include:
    • Official TikTok Store
    • Authorized TikTok Store
    • Flagship TikTok Store
    • Authentic TikTok Store
    • Genuine TikTok Store
    • Global TikTok Store
    • TikTok.com
    • TikTok US Store
    • TikTok Inc.
    • TikTok Outlet
    • TikTok Store
    • TikTok Hub
• Attempts to circumvent our brand checks are also strictly prohibited. This includes using textual or visual blockers to hide brand names and logos. Examples include:
  • Modifying or misspelling a brand name with numbers, symbols, or special characters (for example, T1KT@k).
  • Modifying a brand name by using alternative characters (for example, TikT0k), or by repeating or switching characters (for example, TiiiikToook, TokTik). Other prohibited modifications include misspelling or shortening it (for example, TikTock), or splitting it using spaces (for example, Tik Tok).
  • Modifying a brand logo by applying mosaics or filters to it, or using deliberately angled images.
  • Using a product image or photo that includes a brand logo.

Consequences of Infringement

If we find your shop name or avatar infringes on a trademark, we may take enforcement actions. These actions can include:

• Resetting your shop name and avatar
• Issuing official warnings
• Temporarily suspending your shop

For more severe infringements, such as repeated violations or impersonating an official brand, we may apply stricter penalties, including permanent shop suspension or the removal of selling privileges.