AI-generated from the captured TikTok policy text. Verify against the TikTok source before acting.
TikTok Shop says some branded products require brand authorization before listing. Creators and sellers must apply through the Qualification Center, provide proof that matches the brand and seller entity, and keep documents current. Missing or invalid authorization can lead to product removal.
Key points
Some registered trademarks need brand authorization before listing.
Apply in Seller Center through the Qualification Center.
Trademark owners use a USPTO registration number and email verification.
Authorized sellers submit a Letter of Authorization or license document.
Brand names must match official branding exactly.
Do not submit pending USPTO trademarks.
Use clear, valid, unexpired documents with the right seller entity.
Incorrect or missing authorization can trigger enforcement, including product removal.
Say / show
Brand authorization may be required for products with restricted trademarks.
Submit applications through the Qualification Center in Seller Center.
Match the brand name to the official website, trademark, packaging, and labels.
Use a clear, legible LOA or Licensee Agreement with required terms.
Keep authorization documents up to date and renew before expiry.
Verify brand requirements in TikTok Shop before listing.
Do not say / show
You can list any branded product without checking authorization first.
Use “No brand” for a clearly branded product.
Submit a pending USPTO trademark as a brand authorization application.
Treat AI check recommendations as a hard block; they are only review guidance.
Assume a brand name can differ freely from the official brand name.
Violation risks
Product removal
Enforcement actions for listing without brand authorization
Who it affects
Trademark owners
Authorized sellers
First-level authorized sellers
Second-level authorized sellers
Creators or sellers listing products with restricted trademarks
Source notes
Check the TikTok source page before acting, since requirements and examples are source-specific.
The source says some brands do not require authorization and others do; verify the brand status in TikTok Shop before listing.
Confidence: high · Model: gpt-5.4-mini · Prompt: creator-policy-summary-v1
Readable Policy Copy
Captured policy content rendered without TikTok navigation, scripts, tracking markup, or page chrome. Source: article-html.
Key Points:
Obtaining brand authorization may be required to list some products containing registered trademarks
Brand authorization requests are submitted through the Qualification Centerin Seller Center
You can apply for brand authorization as a trademark owner, authorized seller
These requirements apply to any trademark owner or authorized seller listing a product that contains a restricted trademark. These requirements are in place to protect intellectual property rights and build customer trust. If you list products without brand authorization, we may take enforcement actions, such as:
Removing your products
How To Apply For Brand Authorization
You can apply for brand authorization through the Qualification Center.The process will differ depending on whether you own the trademark or are applying as a reseller of the brand.
If you own the trademark (or brand), select Trademark Owner
Securing brand authorization as a Trademark Owner lets you start selling your products on TikTok Shop. It is also the first step toward getting the Official Shop - Brand badge. This badge confirms that your shop is your brand’s only official representative on our platform. Learn more about how to get the badge in our Official Shop feature guide.
If you have permission directly from a specific trademark (or brand) owner to sell their products, select First Level Authorized Seller
Similar to Trademark Owners, getting brand authorization as a First Level Authorized Seller is also the first step towards getting the Official Shop - Brand badge, and becoming the brand's official representative on our platform. However, this will require you to submit a Letter of Authorization directly from the brand owner granting you the exclusive right to represent their brand. Learn more about how to get the badge in our Official Shop feature guide.
If your permission is from an authorized reseller or distributor of a specific trademark (or brand), select Second Level Authorized Seller
You must have proof that the reseller or distributor has permission directly from the trademark (or brand) owner to authorize other sellers to sell their products.
If you can provide valid Proof of Purchase demonstrating you have obtained inventory from a legitimate distributor for the specific trademark products, select Proof of Purchase.
Learn more about what is required in our Proof of Purchase guide.
Trademark Owners
Enter your United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) trademark registration number
If we are able to verify the trademark registration number, a verification code will be sent via email to the trademark’s official contact, which is typically the attorney on record.
If the trademark’s official contact is outdated or inaccessible, you must update it with the USPTO first before submitting your brand authorization application. Use the USPTO'sCorrespondence and Attorney/Domestic Representative Forms to update the contact.
Enter the verification code in the Qualification Center or click the link in the email within 10 days. If the code expires, you can request a new one.
You can request a new code only 1 time. After the second code expires, you will need to start a new application.
If we are unable to verify the trademark registration number, an error message will appear. Double-check the number before resubmitting it. The number entered MUST be the Trademark Registration Number and not a product serial or other type of number.
Important note: Do not submit brand authorization applications for trademarks that are still in "Pending Trademark" status with the USPTO.
First And Second Level Authorized Sellers
For First Level Authorized Sellers, submit a valid Letter of Authorization that the trademark (or brand) owner directly issued to you. This letter should prove that the trademark (or brand) owner authorized you to sell their products.
Second-Level Authorized Sellers, submit your 2nd level authorization document.
If you also have the 1st level Letter of Authorization, we recommend providing it to help with verification. If you cannot obtain the 1st level Letter of Authorization, please follow the instructions shown in the application flow and complete the required acknowledgement, if applicable, before submitting.
If you cannot obtain the 1st level Letter of Authorization, you may still proceed by following the instructions shown in the application flow and completing the required acknowledgement, if applicable.
The details of the party granting authorization. This must include their contact email
The details of the party receiving authorization
For first level authorization, the document should show your seller entity as the authorized party.
For second level authorization, the issuer in the 2nd level authorization document should align with the party authorized in the 1st level authorization document, and the Company or Owner name associated with your seller account should appear as the authorized party in the 2nd level authorization document.
Expiry date for the authorization
We understand that some authorizations are permanent. The letter of authorization should make clear that the authorization is permanent. In such cases, please select the "Permanent" checkbox in your brand authorization application.
The name of the brand
The country or region where you intend to sell the product
The product category you intend to sell
This should match the class of goods covered under the brand's trademark.
Checklist for a Successful Brand Authorization
During the application flow, TikTok Shop may show AI check recommendations to help you identify possible issues in your authorization materials before submission. These recommendations are intended to help you review your documents and do not automatically block your submission.
Present Your Brand Name Accurately
Ensure your brand name matches the following:
Your official website
Your registered trademark
Your product packaging
Your product labels
Additional requirements:
The brand name must match exactly, including capitalization, punctuation, and spacing.
The brand name must be between 2–30 characters and may be in any language.
Submit Valid and Clear Documentation
Before submitting, make sure your seller entity can be clearly identified in the authorization document, the entity information matches your account records, and the authorization has not expired.Upload a clear and legible copy of the original Letter of Authorization (LOA) or Licensee Agreement. Supported file formats
PDF (preferred)
PNG
JPG
JPEG
Maximum file size: 5 MB
Ensure the document:
Is on the official letterhead of the brand owner.
Includes all key terms, including brand coverage and authorization period.
Contains the signature or official stamp/seal of the authorized signatory.
Before submitting, verify that:
Your seller account (Company or Owner name) can be clearly identified in the authorization document.
The seller entity information matches your account records.
The authorization has not expired.
Review AI Check Recommendations Before Submitting (or "Before You Submit")
During the application process, TikTok Shop may display AI check recommendations to help identify potential issues in your authorization materials before submission. These recommendations are intended to assist with your review and do not automatically block your submission.
Use Proper Email Documentation
For email submissions:
The sender's email domain must match the brand rights holder.
The email body must include all required authorization terms.
Keep Your Authorization Up to Date
Enter the correct expiration date for both your trademark and your Letter of Authorization (LOA) or Licensee Agreement.
Contact the trademark or brand owner at least 30 days before your LOA or Licensee Agreement expires to request a renewal.
Ensure the authorization document lists the correct authorized seller entity:
Corporate sellers: Your registered company name.
Individual sellers: The owner's legal name.
How Brand Authorization Works
When you create or edit a listing, you will be prompted to select a brand name from the dropdown list in the Brand field. The brand name may differ from the trademark name. If the brand name is not available in the dropdown list, enter the brand name and click Add to continue. Only select “No brand” when the product is genuinely unbranded. Important: Selecting "No brand" for a product that is clearly branded is strictly prohibited. We may remove the listing.
How to Identify When a Product Requires Brand Authorization
Some brands do not require you to obtain brand authorization to list their products. You can freely select them from the dropdown list when listing their products. But if a brand requires brand authorization, you must obtain it first in order to select the brand from the dropdown list. Otherwise, it will be greyed out.
Handling Difficulties with Brand Authorization
• If you face difficulties applying for brand authorization, you can consider applying for the Official Shop - Wholesaler badge. This badge allows you to sell products from any brand without needing to apply for any additional Brand Authorization. Learn more about how to get the badge in our Official Shop feature guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is my trademark verified?Trademarks are verified through USPTO. The details in your submission must match the information in the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) database. Can I change my brand name after it's approved?No, your brand name cannot be changed once approved. Does brand authorization protect me against infringement enforcement?No, brand authorization does not protect you from infringement enforcement actions. It only proves that you are authorized to sell the brand's products. What happens when my trademark or LOA expires?You will lose brand authorization, which may result in product takedowns. We recommend reaching out to the brand to obtain new documentation 30 days before the expected expiry date. The process will be the same as the first application for brand authorization and can be submitted through Brand Qualification. If you are the brand owner, you will need to renew your trademark with USPTO. I have brand authorization as a trademark owner or first level authorized seller. Do I need to apply for the Official Shop badge?If you want to sell products from other brands, do not apply for the Official Shop badge. The badge limits your shop to only selling products from your brand. If you have already listed products from other brands, these listings may be removed as soon as you receive the badge. My brand authorization application was approved. Is there any further action needed on my side?Once your brand authorization is approved:
It will apply to all future products you list under that brand.
For existing product listings, you must edit each listing, add the brand, and republish it for the authorization to apply.