The Ultimate Guide for Trademark Registration in Turkey

• Turkish Patent and Trademark Office: Introduction and Definition
  • Madrid System
  • Trademark Fees
• The Trademark Registration Process in Turkey
  • The benefits of Registering a Trademark: Why You Should Register your Trademark in Turkey?
  • Most Important Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes in Trademark Registration
  • FAQ

Turkish Patent and Trademark Office: Introduction and Definition

The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TurkPatent) is a governmental organization responsible for the administration of intellectual property (IP) rights in Turkey. It was established in 1995 as a specialized agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and its main function is to grant patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and geographical indications.

The TurkPatent is responsible for the examination of patent, trademark, and industrial design applications, the registration of granted rights, and the enforcement of IP rights.

The office aims to promote innovation and creativity by encouraging the protection of intellectual property in Turkey and creating a favourable environment for investment in research and development.

Patents granted by the TurkPatent provide exclusive rights to the patent holder to prevent others from producing, using, or selling an invention without the patent holder's consent.

Trademarks, on the other hand, provide exclusive rights to the trademark owner to use a particular name, logo, or design to identify and distinguish their goods or services from those of others in the marketplace.

In summary, the TurkPatent plays a crucial role in the protection of intellectual property rights in Turkey and helps to promote innovation and creativity in the country.

Madrid System

The Madrid System is a centralized international trademark registration system that simplifies the process of protecting trademarks globally. It is administered by the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and allows a trademark owner to file a single application in one language and pay one set of fees to protect their trademark in multiple countries or regions that are members of the Madrid System.

The Madrid System is made up of two international treaties: the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks, which was signed in 1891 and the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement, which was adopted in 1989. Together, these treaties form the basis of the Madrid System and provide the legal framework for the international registration of trademarks.

To use the Madrid System, a trademark owner must have a "basic application" or "basic registration" in their home country, which serves as the basis for international registration. Once the basic application or registration is accepted, the trademark owner can file a single international application with WIPO to register their trademark in any of the member countries or regions. The application is then examined by each member country or region where the trademark is sought, and the trademark is either granted protection or refused following the relevant national or regional laws.

The Madrid System provides significant advantages to trademark owners, such as cost savings, simplification of the registration process, and centralized management of trademark portfolios. It also facilitates the international protection of trademarks and allows trademark owners to expand their business globally with ease.

Trademark Fees

The fees for trademark registration and related services in Turkey are subject to change and are updated periodically. As of 2023, the following are the official fees for trademark registration and renewal in Turkey:

1. Filing a trademark application for up to three classes: 1,455 Turkish Liras (approximately 170 US dollars).
2. Filing a trademark application for each additional class beyond three: 100 Turkish Liras (approximately 12 US dollars).
3. Examination fee for a trademark application: 820 Turkish Liras (approximately 96 US dollars).
4. The publication fee for a trademark application: 690 Turkish Liras (approximately 81 US dollars).
5. Registration fee for a trademark application: 1,275 Turkish Liras (approximately 150 US dollars).
6. The renewal fee for trademark registration for up to three classes: 1,150 Turkish Liras (approximately 135 US dollars).
7. The renewal fee for each additional class beyond three: 100 Turkish Liras (approximately 12 US dollars).

It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and may vary based on the specific services required or changes in the exchange rate. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified legal professional or trademark agent in Turkey to obtain the most up-to-date information on trademark fees and requirements.

Read more about Private Brand and How to Register It.

The Trademark Registration Process in Turkey

The trademark registration process in Turkey can be summarized in the following steps:

1. Conduct a trademark search: Before filing a trademark application, it is recommended to conduct a trademark search to ensure that the proposed trademark is available and does not conflict with existing trademarks in Turkey. This search can be conducted online through the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TURKPATENT) database or through a qualified legal professional.
2. Prepare and file a trademark application: Once a trademark search has been conducted and it is determined that the trademark is available, the trademark owner or their representative can prepare and file a trademark application with TURKPATENT. The application must include the applicant's details, a representation of the trademark, a list of goods and/or services covered by the trademark, and the appropriate fees.
3. Examination of the application: Once the application is filed, it will be examined by TURKPATENT to determine if the trademark meets the legal requirements for registration, such as distinctiveness and non-similarity to existing trademarks. If any issues are found, the trademark owner will be notified and given an opportunity to respond.
4. Publication of the application: If the trademark application is accepted, it will be published in the Official Trademark Bulletin for opposition purposes. Third parties will have a two-month period to file an opposition to the trademark registration.
5. Registration of the trademark: If no oppositions are filed, or if the oppositions are unsuccessful, the trademark will be registered, and a certificate of registration will be issued by TURKPATENT.

The trademark registration process in Turkey can take up to 12-18 months, depending on various factors such as the complexity of the trademark and the workload of TURKPATENT.

It is recommended to consult with a qualified legal professional or trademark agent in Turkey to ensure that the trademark application is prepared correctly and to navigate the registration process more efficiently.

The benefits of Registering a Trademark: Why You Should Register your Trademark in Turkey?

There are many benefits of registering a trademark in Turkey, including:

1. Exclusive rights: Registration of a trademark gives the owner exclusive rights to use the trademark for the goods and services for which it is registered, and to prevent others from using an identical or similar trademark for similar goods and services.
2. Legal protection: Registered trademarks are protected by law, and the owner has the right to take legal action against any infringement of their trademark.
3. Competitive advantage: A registered trademark gives the owner a competitive advantage in the marketplace by establishing a unique brand identity and distinguishing their goods and services from those of competitors.
4. Brand recognition: A registered trademark helps build brand recognition and consumer trust, which can lead to increased sales and customer loyalty.
5. Licensing and franchising: A registered trademark can be licensed or franchised, providing the owner with additional revenue streams and expanding their business.
6. International protection: Registration of a trademark in Turkey can also provide a basis for international trademark protection through treaties such as the Madrid System.
7. Increased value: A registered trademark can increase the value of a business, as it is considered to be a valuable intangible asset and can be included in the company's balance sheet.

Overall, registering a trademark in Turkey is a wise investment for any business looking to protect its brand and reputation, and establish a unique identity in the marketplace.

It provides a legal basis for protecting the brand and reputation of the business, enhancing brand recognition, and providing a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Most Important Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes in Trademark Registration

When registering a trademark, it is important to avoid common mistakes that can cause delays, rejections, or even legal disputes. Here are some tips to help avoid common mistakes in trademark registration:

1. Conduct a comprehensive trademark search: Before filing a trademark application, conduct a comprehensive search to ensure that the proposed trademark is available and does not conflict with existing trademarks. A comprehensive search can help to identify any potential conflicts or potential infringement issues, which can be addressed before applying.
2. Register the trademark in the correct classes: It is important to ensure that the trademark is registered in the correct classes of goods and services to ensure proper protection. Misclassification of goods and services can result in trademark registration being rejected or not providing adequate protection.
3. Provide a clear and distinctive representation of the trademark: The trademark should be represented clearly and precisely in the trademark application to ensure that it is properly registered. Unclear or vague representations can cause delays or rejections in the registration process.
4. Avoid using descriptive or generic terms: Descriptive or generic terms are not considered distinctive and cannot be registered as trademarks. It is important to choose a unique and distinctive name or logo for the trademark.
5. Use the trademark properly: Proper use of the trademark is essential to maintaining its legal protection. Use the trademark consistently and appropriately in all marketing and promotional materials.
6. Monitor the trademark: Once the trademark is registered, monitor the market to ensure that no one is using a similar trademark that could cause confusion or infringe on your trademark rights.
7. Seek professional advice: Consulting with a qualified legal professional or trademark agent can help to avoid common mistakes and ensure that the trademark registration process is completed smoothly and efficiently.

You can contact us at Tebadul International Trade. We offer unique services for registering a trademark in Turkey. We have an experienced team that can help facilitate your business.

By following these tips, you can help to avoid common mistakes in trademark registration, protect your trademark, and avoid potential legal disputes in the future.

FAQ