TikTok vs Triller, two big names in the short-form video space, had been in a patent dispute over the technology used to sync videos with music. Triller sued TikTok in 2020, claiming TikTok’s “Green Screen Video” feature copied its 2017 patent for creating music videos with a single audio track.
However, after a few years, both companies decided to drop their lawsuits in 2023, leaving the matter unresolved in court.
For now, the focus has shifted back to the competition between these two platforms. Read on about the case and check Am Badar & Am Badar Patent services for more insights!
Background of the TikTok vs Triller Case
The whole mess between TikTok and Triller started back in 2020 when Triller sued TikTok, accusing it of stealing one of its patented technologies. Triller owns a patent for a method of syncing videos to a single audio track, something that’s become really popular on social media apps like TikTok.
The patent in question, U.S. Patent No. 9,691,429, was granted in 2017 and describes how you can combine multiple video clips into one video while using the same song or audio track throughout.
Triller’s complaint specifically pointed to TikTok’s “Green Screen Video” feature, which was introduced in December 2019. This feature lets users shoot different video clips and then sync them with one song. Triller claimed that TikTok was using its technology without permission and copying it.
This lawsuit made headlines because it’s about who owns the rights to these types of tech innovations. While the case has been dropped for now, it’s a reminder of how competitive the world of tech patents can be.
The Key Legal Argument
The key argument in the TikTok vs Triller case was simple: Triller claimed that TikTok, and its parent company ByteDance, was using its patented technology without permission. The lawsuit highlights several specific claims from Triller’s patent, such as:
- Selecting an audio track and capturing multiple video clips.
- Matching the video clips with the chosen audio.
- Playing the audio while capturing video footage.
Triller specifically pointed to the “Green Screen Video” feature, which (it claimed) was a direct copy of its technology. They claimed that TikTok knew about the patent but still went ahead and used it, causing harm to Triller’s business.
Triller is seeking both monetary damages and an injunction to prevent further use of its patented technology in TikTok’s app. In addition to TikTok, Triller is considering pursuing similar patent claims against other competitors (Instagram Reels and Dubsmash) which also offer music-video syncing features.
TikTok, on the other hand, denied any infringement. They argued that their “Green Screen Video” feature was different from Triller’s patent and didn’t use the same technology.
TikTok also pointed out that there were other apps with similar features. Thus, it questioned the validity of Triller’s patent, claiming it was too vague and broad to cover their specific feature. In short, TikTok believed that Triller’s patent was weak (hard to claim exclusive ownership) and didn’t protect what they were accusing TikTok of copying.
Court Proceedings and Updates
The TikTok vs Triller lawsuit was first brought to court in July 2020, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. Triller’s complaint centered on its belief that TikTok was intentionally copying its patented feature. Since the lawsuit was filed, there have been multiple twists and turns in the legal battle.
The case started in Texas, but in 2021, the case was moved to Northern California, which is where TikTok has a major presence. In addition, TikTok filed its own lawsuit against Triller, accusing the company of infringing on multiple patents related to music downloads and digital media.
Both TikTok vs Triller cases were put on hold as the companies requested that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) reviewed the validity of the patents in question. Triller also appealed a decision by the USPTO’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board that ruled parts of its patent were invalid.
In a surprising turn, both companies requested the dismissal of their lawsuits in 2022, with the possibility of refiling them later.
While the cases are not entirely over, the companies have decided to put a temporary pause on their legal battle, possibly as they reassess their positions or explore out-of-court settlements.
Right now, it’s unclear what’s next, but the cases are not entirely over. Both companies seem to be taking their time to decide whether they want to keep pushing in court or look for other ways to resolve things.
Broader Implications for the Tech and Social Media Industry
The TikTok vs Triller lawsuit is bigger than just two apps fighting over patents. It shines a spotlight on the intense competition in the social media world, especially between TikTok and smaller platforms like Triller.
As more companies join the short-form video trend, patent lawsuits are becoming a way for smaller players to challenge bigger ones. If Triller wins, it could set a precedent for other companies to start filing similar lawsuits against tech giants.
That could lead to a lot of legal battles in the future, slowing down innovation and forcing companies to focus more on defending their patents than creating new features. On top of that, there’s a bigger issue at play around how tech companies use and protect their intellectual property.
As social media apps keep copying and tweaking each other’s features, it’s getting harder to tell who really owns what. The outcome of this lawsuit could encourage more aggressive patent protection in the industry, making it even harder for new startups to break into the market.
Lastly, the ongoing scrutiny of TikTok in the U.S. over national security concerns only adds fuel to the fire. If the app were to face a ban, Triller could see a significant uptick in downloads, as users look for alternatives.
The TikTok vs Triller lawsuit might not have a clear winner yet, but it’s definitely going to leave a mark on the tech world. Either way, this case is a reminder that the tech world is always changing, and sometimes, those changes happen in courtrooms instead of boardrooms.
We’ll have to wait and see what happens next, but it’s definitely a case worth keeping an eye on. Stay tuned, and don’t forget to read our article BMG Lawsuit Explained: Patent Infringement in Focus for further reading!
If your company is facing a patent issue or you just want to protect your ideas, Am Badar & Am Badar Patent services are here to help. We have lots of experience handling patent problems and can guide you through the process. Get in touch with us today!
