Practice area
Trademark Registration in Türkiye
A trademark is a sign that distinguishes the goods or services of one undertaking from those of others. Registration gives you a documented right over that sign, valid throughout Türkiye.
Why register a trademark?
An unregistered mark is not entirely without protection, but proving prior use and reputation is difficult, slow and uncertain. Registration turns that burden of proof into a certificate.
- You obtain a registered right that is easy to prove.
- You can prevent the registration of similar marks through opposition.
- The mark becomes an asset with measurable value in licensing, assignment and franchise agreements.
- Protection lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed for further 10-year periods.
Registration procedure
Clearance search
Before filing, identical and similar marks in the relevant classes are reviewed and obstacles to registration assessed.
Filing
The application is filed with TÜRKPATENT with the mark and a list of goods and services under the Nice Classification.
Examination
The Office examines formalities and absolute grounds for refusal, such as lack of distinctiveness, descriptiveness, or identical or indistinguishably similar earlier marks.
Publication and opposition period
Accepted applications are published in the Official Trademark Bulletin. Third parties may oppose within two months of publication (Art. 18).
Registration
If no opposition is filed, or oppositions are resolved in the applicant's favour, the registration fee is paid and the mark is entered in the register.
Unopposed applications are usually concluded within a few months; oppositions and appeals extend the timeline.
What we do
Clearance searches
Written report on identical and similar marks, likelihood of confusion and recommended classes.
Trademark applications
Drafting the goods and services list around the business's actual activities; prosecution and responses to Office actions.
Oppositions
Reasoned oppositions against confusingly similar applications within the two-month period.
Responses to oppositions
Arguments against oppositions to your application, including requests for proof of use where applicable.
Appeals
Appeals against Office decisions before the Re-examination and Evaluation Board within two months of notification (Art. 20).
Trademark watch
Regular monitoring of the Bulletin and notice of similar applications before the opposition period ends. Offered as a separate service under its own engagement.
Renewals and recordals
Renewals, assignments, licence recordals and changes of name or address.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Turkish trademark registration last?
Ten years from the filing date. It can be renewed in the six months before expiry, or with a surcharge in the six months after. There is no limit on the number of renewals.
Can foreign companies file directly?
Applicants without a domicile in Türkiye act through a registered Turkish trademark attorney. Filings can also be made through the Madrid System designating Türkiye.
My application has been opposed. What happens next?
The Office invites your observations within a set period. If the opposing mark had been registered in Türkiye for at least five years on your filing date, you may request proof of genuine use (Art. 19).
What if a registered mark is not used?
A mark not put to genuine use within five years of registration, or whose use has been suspended for an uninterrupted five years without good reason, may be revoked for the goods and services concerned.
Can I claim priority from a foreign application?
Yes. An application filed in Türkiye within six months of the first filing in a Paris Convention country can claim that filing's priority.
Would you like to discuss a matter?
Tell us briefly about your case; we will set out the steps, deadlines and risks in writing.