More and more TikTok users are receiving mail from SoundGuardian GmbH. In these letters – referred to as authorization requests – information about the use of certain songs on TikTok is requested. At the same time, SoundGuardian often makes license offers, sometimes at high cost. For many of those affected, it is unclear whether this is just a request or already a legal warning.
What is an authorization request?
A distinction is made in copyright law:
- Warning letter: This contains specific allegations of copyright infringement. Typically, injunctive relief, damages and reimbursement of costs are demanded. If there is no response, there is a threat of legal action.
- Authorization request: This is the preliminary stage. The rights holder – in this case SoundGuardian GmbH – would like to check whether a use was authorized and requests a statement or licensing.
The letters from SoundGuardian are therefore not yet warnings within the meaning of Section 97a UrhG, but may serve to prepare such a warning.
Why does SoundGuardian GmbH send authorization requests on TikTok?
- TikTok provides a music library that is primarily released for private use.
- Commercial users – such as entrepreneurs, the self-employed or brand accounts – are often not included.
- Rights holders such as SoundGuardian GmbH focus their attention specifically on these commercial uses.
This means that commercially used accounts in particular are the focus of authorization requests.
Typical contents of a SoundGuardian authorization request
In our experience, the letters from SoundGuardian GmbH regularly contain:
- Claiming exclusive rights to certain songs,
- Reference to a specific TikTok use,
- License offer with a fixed price (often several thousand euros),
- Request for feedback by e-mail or online form.
Important: It is not easy to check from the outside whether SoundGuardian actually has exclusive rights.
Recommendations for action in the event of an authorization request from SoundGuardian GmbH
- Keep calm and check deadlines: Even if the letters are worded in a punchy way: It is not (yet) a classic warning letter.
- Do not make any hasty payments: Whether SoundGuardian is entitled to demand the required licenses should be checked legally.
- Check usage
- Was the title actually used?
- Was it for private or business use?
- Is the video still online?
- Obtain a legal review
- Clarify the chain of rights: Is SoundGuardian GmbH authorized at all?
- Check the license amount: Are the costs reasonable?
- Develop a strategy: remain silent, react or present counterarguments?
- Act preventively
- Only use music whose rights have been clearly clarified.
- Use the TikTok Commercial Music Library for business accounts.
- Alternatively, use your own or GEMA-free music (but note: GEMA-free ≠ rights-free).
Conclusion: Take authorization requests from SoundGuardian GmbH seriously
The authorization requests from SoundGuardian GmbH are a clear signal: rights holders are increasingly controlling the use of music on TikTok. While private accounts usually have little to fear, there is a considerable risk for commercial users.
Recommendation: Never ignore a request for authorization – but don’t pay too quickly either. The decisive factor is an expert examination of whether SoundGuardian GmbH’s claims actually exist.
Support from our law firm
Our law firm specializes in copyright and social media law. We carefully examine authorization requests from SoundGuardian GmbH and develop an individual strategy with you.
👉 You can use our form to upload your upload your authorization request or warning directly and have it checked without obligation.
