Berne Convention May Tip the Scales
Despite lacking U.S. registration, Meishe maintains its copyrights are enforceable under the Berne Convention, an international treaty that permits foreign creators to defend their works in U.S. courts. Meishe also claimed that even under U.S. law, its rights are fully valid and enforceable.
Legal Titans Face Off
The courtroom clash features heavyweight firms on both sides. Meishe is represented by attorneys from Cherian LLP, Flores Law PLLC, and Mann Tindel Thompson, while TikTok and ByteDance have a multi-firm defense that includes White & Case LLP, Covington & Burling LLP, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP, and others.
As the motions for summary judgment and sanctions grind forward, the case could set key precedents on cross-border software IP enforcement, especially as geopolitical scrutiny over TikTok intensifies in Washington.
No trial date has been set, and representatives from both sides declined to comment on the pending motions.
