ByteDance Revokes Copyright Registrations for Viral Memes Like "Gugu Gaga"
In September 2026, Beijing Zhitiao Network Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of ByteDance, centrally revoked the copyright registrations for artistic works of popular internet memes such as "Gugu Gaga," "Sword and Shield Dog," and "Banana Cat." The company had previously registered the 2D and 3D character copyrights for these memes in July 2026, sparking public criticism that it was appropriating works co-created by the general public.
ByteDance Revokes Copyright Registrations for Internet Memes Like "Gugu Gaga"
In September 2026, Beijing Zhitiao Network Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of ByteDance, centrally revoked the copyright registrations for the artistic works of popular internet memes such as "Gugu Gaga," "Sword and Shield Dog," and "Banana Cat."
In July 2026, the company had registered the copyrights for 2D and 3D versions of these memes, sparking online criticism that it was claiming ownership of works co-created by the public.
Source: IT Home https://www.ithome.com/1/015/687.htm
