Trademark Registration
in Turkey

The requirement for an attorney depends on your application method and domicile. If you are domiciled outside the Republic of Türkiye and choose to file a direct application to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO), representation by a trademark attorney authorized to act before the Office is mandatory. However, if you are making an international application through the Madrid System (administered by WIPO) and meet the eligibility criteria (e.g., having a real and effective industrial or commercial establishment in a Madrid Protocol member state, or being a national/domiciled in that state), you can initially file your international application through your Office of Origin without requiring a Turkish attorney at that stage. Nevertheless, for effective management of your application, navigating potential oppositions, and ensuring full compliance with Turkish regulations, Marqora highly recommends engaging an experienced local attorney, regardless of your application method. Our experts ensure a smooth and successful registration process.

Finding a similar trademark doesn’t automatically preclude your application, but it does require careful consideration. You may still be able to register your trademark in Turkey, provided that your mark is not identical or indistinguishably similar to a prior registered mark, and it is not intended for identical goods or services within the same classes. The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO) examines applications based on both similarity of the marks and the goods/services they cover.

If the similarity is deemed to be below the threshold of “indistinguishable” or if your goods/services fall into entirely different classes, your application might proceed. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the inherent risks, including potential opposition from the owner of the similar mark or refusal by the TPTO on relative grounds.

Marqora strongly advises a professional Trademark Search to assess these risks accurately. Our experts can analyze the degree of similarity and the scope of goods/services to provide a clear assessment of your chances of success and guide you on the best strategic approach to mitigate potential issues. In some specific cases, if a prior mark is very similar but its owner provides a notarial letter of consent, your application might proceed.

The number of trademark classes you need to register in Türkiye is entirely dependent on the scope of your commercial activities. The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO) categorizes all goods and services into 45 distinct classes (34 for goods and 11 for services), adhering to the Nice Classification system. Your trademark protection is specifically granted for the goods and services listed within the classes included in your application.

Strategic class selection is paramount for comprehensive protection. For instance, if your business primarily operates as a restaurant, you would typically register in Class 43 (services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodation). However, if your brand also extends to selling branded merchandise like kitchenware or clothing, or if you plan to offer culinary workshops, you would need to consider additional relevant classes such such as Class 21 (household or kitchen utensils), Class 25 (clothing, footwear, headgear), or Class 41 (education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities), respectively.

Marqora strongly recommends a thorough consultation to accurately define your business activities and future expansion plans. Our experts will guide you through the Nice Classification system, helping you select the precise classes to ensure your brand receives robust and comprehensive protection across all relevant sectors in Türkiye.

The trademark registration process in Türkiye typically spans between 6 to 12 months under ideal circumstances, assuming no significant objections or complications arise. This timeframe includes the various stages of examination by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO) and public opposition periods.

Upon receiving your application, the TPTO first conducts a procedural examination within a few months. If there are no formal deficiencies, your application proceeds to an examination for absolute grounds for refusal based on the 6769 Industrial Property Code. If all criteria are met, the trademark is then published in the Official Trademark Bulletin.

Following publication, there is a two-month opposition period, during which third parties may file objections against your application.

• If no oppositions are filed or if any filed oppositions are ultimately rejected, and all necessary documentation (including the registration fee) is submitted, your trademark will be officially registered in the Trademark Register and published in the Bulletin. This is the fastest scenario.

• If an Office Action is issued (due to deficiencies or refusal grounds) or oppositions are filed, the process will naturally extend. Addressing Office Actions or responding to oppositions requires additional time for submissions and subsequent re-examination or appeal processes by the TPTO’s specialized divisions.

Marqora’s experienced team proactively manages each stage of your application, aiming to streamline the process and minimize delays, ensuring your brand achieves robust protection in Türkiye as efficiently as possible.

Yes, there is indeed a possibility that your trademark application could be rejected in Türkiye. The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO) employs a rigorous examination process to ensure that new trademarks meet all legal requirements and do not conflict with existing rights.

Your trademark might be refused based on:

• Absolute Grounds for Refusal: These relate to the inherent characteristics of the mark itself, such as being descriptive, generic, misleading, lacking distinctive character, or being identical to a prior registered geographical indication.

• Relative Grounds for Refusal: This is where the risk of confusion with prior registered or applied trademarks becomes a factor. If your brand name, logo, or design is deemed identical or indistinguishably similar to an earlier mark, especially if it covers identical or similar goods or services, the TPTO’s examining attorney may reject your application. For instance, if your business name or logo bears too much resemblance to an existing brand in the same or a related industry, it could lead to rejection.

• Oppositions from Third Parties: Even if the TPTO initially approves your application for publication, third parties (e.g., owners of similar existing trademarks) have a two-month period to file an opposition. If such an opposition is found valid, your application could be refused.

Marqora’s Role in Mitigating Risks: Engaging an experienced trademark attorney, like those at Marqora, significantly enhances your chances of a successful registration and helps to proactively avoid many common rejection challenges. Our comprehensive Trademark Search identifies potential conflicts early on, and our expertise in preparing and managing Trademark Applications ensures compliance with all TPTO regulations. Furthermore, in the event of an Office Action or an opposition, our attorneys skillfully prepare and submit arguments and evidence, guiding you through the appeal processes to protect your brand’s future.

Understanding the official fees associated with trademark registration in Türkiye is a crucial part of budgeting for your brand’s protection. Unlike the USPTO’s flat fee structure, the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO) applies a detailed fee schedule for various services throughout the trademark lifecycle.

The primary costs you will encounter typically begin with the filing fee for your application, which varies based on the number of classes of goods and services you wish to cover. For a single class, a specific fee applies, with an additional fee for each subsequent class.

Beyond the initial application, other significant fees include the registration fee once your trademark is approved, and renewal fees every ten years to maintain your protection. There are also distinct fees for specific actions such as opposing an application, recording transfers or licenses, and managing international applications under the Madrid Protocol.

Below is a breakdown of key official fees (as of the current effective date) from the TPTO:

It’s a common misconception that registering a company name automatically grants trademark protection. In Türkiye, a company name (or trade name) registered with the trade registry provides legal protection for your business identity only within your company’s commercial operations. A trademark, on the other hand, protects your brand (logo, slogan, product name, etc.) specifically in relation to the goods and services you offer. While your company name can also function as a trademark, only a formal trademark registration with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO) grants you exclusive rights to use that mark for your products or services across specific classes, allowing you to prevent others from using similar marks for similar offerings. Marqora helps you understand these distinctions and secure comprehensive protection for both your business identity and your brand assets.

The primary costs you will encounter typically begin with the filing fee for your application, which varies based on the number of classes of goods and services you wish to cover. For a single class, a specific fee applies, with an additional fee for each subsequent class.

Beyond the initial application, other significant fees include the registration fee once your trademark is approved, and renewal fees every ten years to maintain your protection. There are also distinct fees for specific actions such as opposing an application, recording transfers or licenses, and managing international applications under the Madrid Protocol.

Below is a breakdown of key official fees (as of the current effective date) from the TPTO:

While you can begin using your trademark after filing an application with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO), it’s important to understand that this use is at your own risk. Filing an application provides you with a priority date, which is crucial for future protection, but it does not guarantee registration. Your application will undergo examination and a potential opposition period. If your application is ultimately rejected or successfully opposed by a third party, you may be forced to cease using the mark, incurring potential rebranding costs and loss of goodwill. Marqora strongly advises clients to proceed with caution and consider the potential risks until the trademark is officially registered and published in the Official Trademark Bulletin. A thorough trademark search conducted by our experts beforehand can significantly reduce these risks.

The primary costs you will encounter typically begin with the filing fee for your application, which varies based on the number of classes of goods and services you wish to cover. For a single class, a specific fee applies, with an additional fee for each subsequent class.

Beyond the initial application, other significant fees include the registration fee once your trademark is approved, and renewal fees every ten years to maintain your protection. There are also distinct fees for specific actions such as opposing an application, recording transfers or licenses, and managing international applications under the Madrid Protocol.

Below is a breakdown of key official fees (as of the current effective date) from the TPTO:

If your trademark is officially registered with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO) and you discover an infringement (i.e., someone is using an identical or confusingly similar mark for similar goods or services without your permission), you have strong legal grounds for action. As the trademark proprietor, you can initiate various legal proceedings to protect your rights. This typically involves:

• Sending a cease and desist letter to the infringing party.

• Filing a trademark infringement lawsuit in the specialized Intellectual and Industrial Rights Civil Courts in Turkey, seeking an injunction to stop the infringing use, compensation for damages, and potentially the destruction of infringing goods.

• Requesting the Turkish customs authorities to seize counterfeit goods at the borders. Marqora’s experienced legal team provides comprehensive support in enforcing your trademark rights, from monitoring for potential infringements to representing you in legal disputes, ensuring your brand’s integrity remains intact.

Trademark protection granted by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO) is territorial, meaning it primarily provides exclusive rights within the borders of the Republic of Türkiye. A Turkish trademark registration does not automatically grant protection in other countries. To secure international protection for your brand, you generally need to apply for trademark registration in each country or region where you intend to operate and seek protection. This can be done either through direct national applications in specific countries or by utilizing international systems like the Madrid System, where Türkiye is a party to the Madrid Protocol. The Madrid System allows you to file a single international application that designates multiple member countries for protection, simplifying the process. Marqora offers expert advice and assistance in developing a robust international trademark strategy tailored to your global business objectives.

• Sending a cease and desist letter to the infringing party.

• Filing a trademark infringement lawsuit in the specialized Intellectual and Industrial Rights Civil Courts in Turkey, seeking an injunction to stop the infringing use, compensation for damages, and potentially the destruction of infringing goods.

• Requesting the Turkish customs authorities to seize counterfeit goods at the borders. Marqora’s experienced legal team provides comprehensive support in enforcing your trademark rights, from monitoring for potential infringements to representing you in legal disputes, ensuring your brand’s integrity remains intact.

Yes, you can register a foreign-language trademark in Türkiye. The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO) accepts trademarks in any language, provided they meet all other registrability criteria. However, when evaluating such marks, the TPTO may consider the meaning or perception of the foreign-language word or phrase among the relevant Turkish consumer public. If a foreign-language mark is descriptive, generic, or misleading to Turkish consumers, or if it conflicts with existing Turkish trademarks or public order/morality, it could face refusal. Marqora’s experts can conduct a comprehensive linguistic and cultural analysis, along with a thorough trademark search, to assess the registrability of your foreign-language mark in the Turkish market and guide you through the application process.

• Sending a cease and desist letter to the infringing party.

• Filing a trademark infringement lawsuit in the specialized Intellectual and Industrial Rights Civil Courts in Turkey, seeking an injunction to stop the infringing use, compensation for damages, and potentially the destruction of infringing goods.

• Requesting the Turkish customs authorities to seize counterfeit goods at the borders. Marqora’s experienced legal team provides comprehensive support in enforcing your trademark rights, from monitoring for potential infringements to representing you in legal disputes, ensuring your brand’s integrity remains intact.