The dispute between TikTok and ICE has been withdrawn from the Copyright Tribunal, Music Week has learned.
The two sides have now agreed to enter into arbitration.
In the summer, the case was referred to the Copyright Tribunal by TikTok. The social video platform had been in negotiations with ICE (comprising PRS For Music, STIM and GEMA) when it decided to take the licensing dispute to the government body.
At the time, ICE complained about TikTok being unlicensed.
There have also been calls by the NMPA in the US for TikTok to be investigated by Congress for alleged copyright infringement.
TikTok has become an increasingly important platform for helping to break tracks, and as part of artist campaigns. In the UK, Giggs recently partnered with TikTok, while DJ Regard hit No.2 after Ride It went viral on the platform. Lil Nas X scored a global hit with Old Town Road, as a result of TikTok activity.
The latest development comes as TikTok parent Bytedance is set to launch a global streaming service.
Both ICE and TikTok have issued the same statement to Music Week, after the two sides agreed to talk terms.
“ICE and TikTok have agreed to enter into an arbitration to resolve the terms for the licensing of the TikTok platform in respect of the musical works ICE represents,” said the statement. “The arbitration decision will be applied retrospectively to cover previous use on the platform (including its predecessor, musical.ly). Further announcements will follow.”
Meanwhile, it’s been confirmed that former Sony and Warner Music Group exec Ole Obermann has joined TikTok as VP, global head of music.
FOLLOW 
