Commitments and Contingencies |
12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Dec. 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | NOTE 25 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Contractual Commitments
Sale and Purchase Agreement with Sony Life Singapore
Pursuant to the agreement dated April 5, 2023, entered with Sony Life Singapore Pte. Ltd. (“SLS”), an independent third party, the Company is committed to purchase 100% equity interest in Sony Life Financial Advisers Pte. On December 28, 2023, the Company and SLS entered into a second supplementary agreement to extend the closing date of the transaction from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024. On March 29, 2024, the Company and SLS entered into a third supplementary agreement to extend the closing date of the transaction from March 31, 2024 to May 9, 2024. On May 9, 2024, the Company and SLS entered into a fourth supplementary agreement to extend the closing date of the transaction from May 9, 2024 to May 20, 2024. On June 18, 2024, the Company and SLS entered into a fifth supplementary agreement to extend the closing date of the transaction from May 20, 2024 to July 31, 2024. Pursuant to the fifth supplementary agreement, the Company paid an aggregate of SGD0. million (equivalent to approximately $0.11 million) as the extension fee and indemnification fee in July 2024. On October 3, 2024 and January 30, 2025, the Company and SLS entered into the sixth and seventh supplementary agreements, respectively to extend the closing date of the transaction to February 28, 2025.
Subsequently on March 14, 2025, SLS issued a termination notice to terminate the agreement due to the Company’s failure to complete the transaction. On April 21, 2025, the Company and SLS entered into a settlement agreement under which the Company is obligated to pay SLS a settlement amount of SGD 1.85 million (equivalent to approximately $1.4 million) on or before August 31, 2025. In addition, SLS has claimed further damages of SGD 0.1 million (equivalent to approximately $0.07 million) arising from the Company’s breach of its obligations under the agreement. Both the settlement amount and the additional damages claim bear interest at a rate of 5.33% per annum, accruing from March 5, 2025, until the date of full payment.
Legal Matters and Other Contingencies
From time to time, the Company is party to various claims and legal proceedings incident to the operation of its business. For example, the Company is currently involved in proceedings brought by music companies relating to the payment of royalties for music used on its platform, employment and related matters, consumer class actions and suits alleging, among other things, violations of state consumer protection or privacy laws, and contractual disputes over representations and warranties and post-closing obligations associated with business acquisitions.
In addition, third parties have from time to time claimed, and others may claim in the future, that the Company has infringed their intellectual property rights. The Company is subject to intellectual property disputes, including patent infringement claims, and management expects that it will continue to be subject to intellectual property infringement claims as its services expand in scope and complexity. The Company is not presently involved in any patent infringement and other intellectual property-related lawsuits. The Company may also become more vulnerable to third-party claims as laws such as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act are interpreted by the courts, and the Company becomes subject to laws in jurisdictions where the underlying laws with respect to the potential liability of online intermediaries are either unclear or less favorable. Management believes that additional lawsuits alleging that the Company has violated patent, copyright or trademark laws may be filed against it. Intellectual property claims, whether meritorious or not, are time consuming and often costly to resolve, could require expensive changes in the Company’s methods of doing business or the goods it sells, or could require the Company to enter into costly royalty or licensing agreements. The Company is also subject to consumer claims or lawsuits relating to alleged violations of consumer protection or privacy rights and statutes, some of which could involve potentially substantial claims for damages, including statutory or punitive damages. Consumer and privacy-related claims or lawsuits, whether meritorious or not, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, damage awards, fines and penalties, injunctive relief or increased costs of doing business through adverse judgment or settlement, or require the Company to change its business practices, sometimes in expensive ways.
The Company is also subject to, or in the future may become subject to, a variety of regulatory inquiries, audits, and investigations across the jurisdictions where it conducts business, including, for example, inquiries related to consumer protection, employment matters and/or hiring practices, marketing practices, tax, unclaimed property and privacy rules and regulations. Any regulatory actions against the Company, whether meritorious or not, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, damage awards, fines and penalties, injunctive relief or increased costs of doing business through adverse judgment or settlement, require the Company to change its business practices in expensive ways, require significant amounts of management time, result in the diversion of significant operational resources, materially damage its brand or reputation, or otherwise harm its business.
Legal expenses related to defense, negotiations, settlements, rulings and advice of outside legal counsel are expensed as incurred.
The Company establishes an accrued liability for loss contingencies related to legal and regulatory matters when the loss is both probable and reasonably estimable. Those accruals represent management’s best estimate of probable losses and, in such cases, there may be an exposure to loss in excess of the amounts accrued. For certain of the matters described above, there are inherent and significant uncertainties based on, among other factors, the stage of the proceedings, developments in the applicable facts of law, or the lack of a specific damage claim.
The Company’s accrued liabilities for loss contingencies related to legal and regulatory matters may change in the future as a result of new developments, including, but not limited to, the occurrence of new legal matters, changes in the law or regulatory environment, adverse or favorable rulings, newly discovered facts relevant to the matter, or changes in the strategy for the matter. Regardless of the outcome, litigation and other regulatory matters can have an adverse impact on the Company because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.
The following describes material legal proceedings in which the Company is involved as of December 31, 2024:
On March 27, 2018, the writ of summons was issued against the Company and seven related companies of the former shareholder (the “Defendants”) by the Plaintiff. This action alleged the infringement of certain registered trademarks currently registered under the Plaintiff. On February 23, 2023, the Court granted leave for this action be set down for trial of 13 days, and the trial will commence on November 25, 2024. On October 31, 2025, the Court granted judgement in favor of the Plaintiff. On November 28, 2025, the Defendants lodged and served the Notice of Appeal (CACV 1116/2025) to the Court of Appeal. Legal counsel of the Company will continue to handle in this matter. At this stage in the proceedings, it is unable to determine the probability of the outcome of the appeal or the range of reasonably possible loss as the Court is in the process of quantifying the amount of damages.
On April 30, 2019, the writ of summons was issued against the Company’s subsidiary, three related companies and the former directors, stockholders and financial consultant by the Plaintiff. This action alleged the deceit and misrepresentation from an inducement of the fund subscription and claimed for compensatory damage of approximately $2.6 million. On April 18, 2024, the court made an order that the plaintiff shall set the case down for trial on or before July 6, 2024 for a 7 days trial before a judge and there shall be a pre-trial review before the trial judge on a date 12 weeks before the trial. The plaintiff and the defendants agreed on a time extension until August 8, 2024 to set the case down for trial. On August 9, 2024, the Court made an order that the case be adjourned to January 14, 2025 for another case management conference. On February 17, 2025, the Company filed an amended defence to the court and the next case management conference is fixed to be heard on January 6, 2026. The case be adjourned to July 21, 2026 for another case management conference and parties can attempt mediation to resolve the dispute before the schedule case management conference. Legal counsel of the Company will continue to handle this matter. At this stage in the proceedings, it is unable to determine the probability of the outcome of the matter or the range of reasonably possible loss, if any.
On December 15, 2020, the writs of summons were issued against the Company and the former consultant by the Plaintiff. This action alleged the misrepresentation and conspiracy causing the loss from the investment in corporate bond and claimed for compensatory damage of approximately $1.7 million. The Company previously made approximately $0.8 million as contingency loss for the year ended December 31, 2021. Parties participated in a mediation held on March 25, 2022 and negotiated for settlement through without prejudice correspondence, no settlement was reached. The pre-trial review is fixed to be heard on January 29, 2026 and the 6-days trial is fixed to be heard from May 14 to 21, 2026. The case is on-going and legal counsel of the Company will continue to handle this matter. As of December 31, 2024, the Company accrued a legal provision of approximately $0.8 million as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets.
In connection with the Merger Transaction, the Company assumed the liabilities of Triller Corp, including the legal contingency accrual stemming from the litigation with Sony Music Entertainment (“Sony”) alleging claims for breach of contract, copyright infringement, contributory copyright infringement, and vicarious copyright infringement. The court entered judgement pursuant to stipulation in the amount of approximately $3.6 million requiring Triller Corp to make monthly payments through May 21, 2025. Triller Corp defaulted on the payments and judgement was entered against Triller Corp on August 27, 2024 for the full amount due. As of December 31, 2024 , approximately $3.6 million is included as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets.
In connection with the Merger Transaction, the Company assumed the liabilities of Triller Corp, including the legal contingency accrual stemming from the complaint filed by SOLAR in the London, United Kingdom Circuit Common Court alleging claims of songwriter/producer music publishing rights infringement. A default judgement for £3.8 million was ruled in SOLAR’s favor and SOLAR filed an action in the Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles for recognition of this foreign country money judgment in the amount of approximately $4.4 million. As of December 31, 2024, this amount is included as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets.
Triller Corp has outstanding contractual obligations to various record labels, music publishers and performing rights organizations (collectively, “Rightsholders”) who have licensed to Triller Corp the right to use sound recordings and musical compositions in connection with the operation of the Triller app and other aspects of the Company’s business. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has recorded liabilities in the amount of approximately $30.0 million for unpaid amounts owed under its music licenses. Triller Corp is also involved in various legal proceedings and has received threats of litigation from Rightsholders. Triller Corp believes it may be or become liable to Rightsholders for additional amounts such as interest, penalty fees, attorneys’ fees, copyright infringement damages and other amounts, but is currently unable to estimate the probability of loss associated with these actions or the range or reasonably possible losses, if any, or the impact such losses may have on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
In connection with the Merger Transaction, the Company assumed the liabilities of Triller Corp, including the legal contingency accrual stemming from the ongoing litigation with Fox Plaza, LLC due to an alleged breach of a commercial office lease agreement as a result of an alleged failure to pay rents under the agreement. The plaintiff seeks damages in excess of approximately $3.5 million, plus attorney’s fees, costs of suit, and additional damages to be proven at trial. Triller Corp intends to vigorously defend itself in this matter. The Company has accrued approximately $1.8 million as a liability pertaining to this claim on the consolidated balance sheets. It is reasonably possible that the potential loss may exceed the accrued liability amount.
In connection with the Merger Transaction, the Company assumed the liabilities of Triller Corp, including the legal contingency accrual stemming from the arbitration with Concentrix Daksh Services India Private Ltd. (“Concentrix”). Concentrix alleges wrongful early termination of a services agreement and seeks damages of approximately $2.0 million in lost profits, plus interest and fees. The Company has accrued approximately $2.0 million as a liability pertaining to this matter. While the Company intends to defend the claim vigorously, management believes the recorded amount represents the probable loss as of December 31, 2024.
In connection with the Merger Transaction, the Company assumed the liabilities of Triller Hold Co LLC and Triller Fight Club LLC related to litigation with Epic Sports & Entertainment, Inc. (“Epic”) for alleged breach of a settlement agreement. Epic initially claimed damages of approximately $1.8 million, and recent settlement discussions indicate a potential settlement range of approximately $0.6 to $2.0 million. As of December 31, 2024, the Company accrued a legal provision of approximately $1.9 million as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets.
In connection with the Merger Transaction, the Company assumed the liabilities of Triller Corp, including the legal contingency accrual stemming from the arbitration with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd due to a breach of a commercial agreement and failure to pay the amounts owed under the contract. The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California confirmed the award and entered a judgment of approximately $2.6 million in May 2024, accruing interest at $368.43 per day, at a rate of 5.17% per annum until repaid. A writ of execution was issued on August 2, 2024, and a Judgment Debtor Examination is scheduled for February 24, 2025. The Company provided financial records in December 2024 in response to a subpoena. As of December 31, 2024, the Company accrued approximately $3.0 million as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets.
In connection with the Merger Transaction, the Company assumed potential liabilities related to claims asserted by Prem Parameswaran, the former Chief Executive Officer of Triller Corp for alleged unpaid compensation. To avoid litigation, the parties reached an agreement in principle for a settlement consisting of $500,000 in cash and 625,000 stock units, subject to approval by AGBA Group Holding Limited. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has accrued approximately $2.4 million as a liability pertaining to this matter, representing the probable settlement amount.
On July 26, 2024, Triller Hold Co, LLC and Triller Acquisition, LLC entered into a settlement agreement with Triller Legacy, LLC (“Legacy”), original sellers of Triller Corp, regarding the 2019 acquisition of Triller Corp from Legacy. The Company agreed to issue 3.89 million shares of Series A common stock to Legacy. Legacy intends to sell 1.75 million shares for a minimum return of approximately $7.0 million by the end of March 31, 2025. The Company must compensate Legacy for any shortfall of share sales below $7.0 million. The Company has the option to purchase up to 1.75 million shares from Legacy at $4.00 per share through December 31, 2024 and $4.75 per share through March 31, 2025. The Company can also opt to pay Legacy $7.0 million. The Company has included the estimated guaranteed payment liability in its accounts payable and legal contingencies.
The Company is subject to claims asserted by Bobby Sarnevesht for alleged breach of a merger agreement and related contracts. The Company disputes the claims and the matter remains unresolved. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has accrued approximately $3.0 million as a liability pertaining to this dispute, which represents management’s best estimate of the probable loss.
On November 26, 2024, Yorkville (“Plaintiff”) initiated litigation against the Company, Triller Corp., Triller Hold Co LLC, and Convoy Global Holdings Limited (“Defendants”) by filing a motion for summary judgment in lieu of a complaint pursuant to NY CPLR 3213 (the “Motion”), seeking a judgment finding Defendants liable for all amounts allegedly owed under the convertible promissory note (the “Note”), dated June 28, 2024, including interest, plus costs, legal fees, and expenses incurred by Yorkville in enforcing the Note’s terms. On February 24, 2025, Defendants filed their opposition to the Motion, arguing that the Motion should be denied because Plaintiff’s reliance on CPLR 3213 was improper and because, even if Plaintiff’s reliance on CPLR 3213 were proper, triable disputes of fact preclude summary judgment in Plaintiff’s favor. On March 7, 2025, Plaintiff filed a reply in support of the Motion. On May 19, 2025, Yorkville’s initial motion for summary judgment in lieu of complaint, seeking immediate payment, was denied by the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County. The court determined that Yorkville’s right to payment depended on a detailed analysis of obligations under multiple intertwined documents, including the Yorkville Convertible Promissory Note, Second A&R SEPA, Registration Rights Agreement, and Pledge Agreements, thus converting the case to a plenary action. Yorkville filed a notice of appeal on May 28, 2025 and a new motion for summary judgment on July 1, 2025, asserting the Yorkville Convertible Promissory Note’s maturity date of June 28, 2025 (the “Maturity Date”). On June 20, 2025, the Company transferred 3,000,000 shares of common stock of BKFC, previously pledged by Triller Hold Co LLC as collateral pursuant to the Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement, dated June 28, 2024, between Triller Hold Co LLC and Yorkville, as partial repayment. The case does not have a trial date set. Defendants intend to litigate the case until a resolution is reached.
On December 3, 2025, the Plaintiff filed responses and objections (the “Responses and Objections”) to the Defendants’ first set of interrogatories dated November 3, 2025 to the Supreme Court of the State of New York County of New York (Index no.: 659314/2024). Pursuant to the Responses and Objections, the Plaintiff stated its claims and contentions with respect to its damage resulting from the event of default that occurred under the Note when the Defendants failed to pay all amounts due by the Maturity Date. The total amount owed under the Note, including interest, plus costs, legal fees, and expenses incurred by Yorkville less the value of BKFC’s shares is approximately $38.1 million. Yorkville further stated that it continues to accrue additional damages with each passing day that the obligations under the Note and guaranties remain unpaid. The case is on-going and legal counsel of the Company will continue to handle this matter. At this stage in the proceedings, it is unable to determine the probability of the outcome of the matter or the range of reasonable possible loss, if any.
On December 18, 2024, 13080 Advisors LLC (“Claimant”) submitted a Notice of Arbitration and Demand for Arbitration (“13080 Arbitration Demand”) to JAMS to assert that Triller and TAG Holdings Limited (collectively as “Respondents”) have breached their alleged duties to Claimant under the following alleged agreements: (1) a partially executed document entitled “Grant Agreement for S-8 Registered Shares” dated March 14, 2024, and (2) a partially executed document entitled “Consulting Services Agreement” also dated March 14, 2024. The 13080 Arbitration Demand asserts four purported claims for relief: breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation, specific performance and declaratory relief. On February 18, 2025, Respondents submitted to JAMS a motion to dismiss all the claims for relief asserted in the 13080 Arbitration Demand along with a motion to strike Claimant’s requests for punitive damages. This motion remains pending and no arbitrator has been appointed. The case is on-going and legal counsel of the Company will continue to handle this matter. At this stage in the proceedings, it is unable to determine the probability of the outcome of the matter or the range of reasonable possible loss, if any.
On December 18, 2024, Wixen Music Publishing, Inc. ("Wixen") filed a Complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court against a subsidiary of Triller Hold Co LLC ("the subsidiary") for breach of a settlement agreement originally executed to resolve prior federal copyright infringement claims. In September 2022, Wixen and the subsidiary entered into a settlement agreement whereby the subsidiary agreed to pay Wixen a total of $10.0 million in scheduled payment through September 2024 to resolve claims of unauthorized use of musical compositions. The complaint alleged that the subsidiary defaulted on its payment obligations and owed $5.5 million under the revised payment schedule. The case is on-going and legal counsel of Triller Hold Co LLC will continue to handle this matter. As of December 31, 2024, approximately $5.5 million is included as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets.
Subsequent to December 31, 2024, the Company is involved in the following material legal proceedings:
Robert E. Diamond Jr.et al. v. Triller Group, Inc., Case No. 25-cv-00129 (PAE) (S.D.N.Y.)
On January 7, 2025, Robert E. Diamond Jr (“Diamond”), the former chairman of Triller’s board of directors and Atlas Merchant Capital LLC (collectively as “Plaintiffs”), an advisory services company under Diamond’s control filed a lawsuit in federal district court in Manhattan, New York to allege that Triller has failed to pay over or grant to Plaintiffs certain cash amounts and equity awards to which Plaintiffs were entitled pursuant to various agreements between Plaintiffs and Triller. Plaintiffs claim that they are entitled to over $5.0 million in cash compensation and over 6.0 million shares of Triller’s common stock. On February 28, 2025, Triller filed a partial motion to dismiss the scope of Plaintiffs’ claims. This motion is now pending before the court. The case is on-going and legal counsel of the Company will continue to handle this matter. At this stage in the proceedings, it is unable to determine the probability of the outcome of the matter or the range of reasonable possible loss, if any. |