Effective October 27, 2025, TikTok Shop will extend the balance withholding period for serious counterfeit violations from 90 days to up to 180 days. This update reflects the platform’s stronger stance on intellectual property (IP) protection and aims to create a safer and more trustworthy e-commerce ecosystem for both sellers and shoppers.

What This Update Means for TikTok Shop Sellers

If a TikTok Shop seller is found to have committed a serious counterfeit violation, the platform can temporarily withhold the shop’s available balance. This means the seller will not be able to withdraw the affected funds until the review process is complete.

Previously, this withholding period lasted up to 90 days. Starting October 27, 2025, TikTok Shop will extend it to as long as 180 days. The additional time allows the platform to thoroughly investigate the case, verify evidence, and ensure a fair resolution before releasing or reallocating the funds.

• No withdrawals during the review: Sellers whose accounts are flagged for counterfeit violations will temporarily lose access to their balance.
• Possible use of withheld funds for penalties or refunds: If the violation is confirmed, TikTok Shop may use the withheld amount to cover fines, buyer reimbursements, or other corrective actions based on platform policy.

Common Types of IP Violations

Intellectual property (IP) issues can be complex, but most violations on TikTok Shop fall into a few main categories. Sellers should understand these to avoid unintentional mistakes that could harm their business.

1. Trademark Violations

Trademarks include a brand’s name, logo, slogan, or symbol, anything that identifies a business and distinguishes it from others. A violation occurs when a seller uses these elements without permission, such as listing products that display another brand’s logo or selling replicas that closely resemble branded goods. Even using brand names in product titles or descriptions without authorisation can be considered infringement.

2. Copyright Violations

Copyright protects creative works such as product images, videos, written descriptions, and packaging designs. Using another seller’s product photos, copying brand videos, or duplicating written content without consent counts as copyright infringement. These materials belong to their original creators, and unauthorised use can lead to serious penalties.

3. Patent and Design Violations

Patents and design rights protect innovative features and appearances of products. Selling items that copy another company’s unique design, mechanism, or invention without authorisation can be treated as infringement, even if the imitation looks slightly different.

It’s important to remember that intent doesn’t always matter. Even if a seller didn’t mean to infringe on another’s IP rights, they may still face penalties such as product removal, withheld funds, or account suspension.

That’s why it’s always wise to verify the originality of your listings and materials before uploading them. Doing a quick background check or using your own branded content can save you from costly enforcement actions later.
 

Streamline Your TikTok Shop Management with BigSeller

TikTok Shop’s decision to extend the balance withholding period to 180 days reflects a stronger stance against counterfeit products and a reminder for sellers to take intellectual property compliance seriously.

To stay compliant and organised, sellers should regularly review their product sources, verify brand authorisations, and keep their listings up to date. BigSeller can help simplify this process with bulk editing tools, centralised product management, and automatic listing sync across platforms, sellers can quickly identify and fix potential risks before they escalate.

Start managing your e-commerce business more efficiently, try BigSeller for free today.