I have a trademark registered in my home country. Is it automatically protected in Turkey?

No. Trademark rights are territorial, meaning a trademark registered in another country is not automatically protected in Turkey. To secure your rights here, you must file a separate trademark application with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. The "first-to-file" principle is generally applied, so early registration is highly recommended.

What is the difference between a trademark and a patent?

In simple terms, a trademark protects brand identity, such as a name, logo, or slogan used on goods or services. A patent, on the other hand, protects an invention – a new and useful process, machine, or composition of matter. They protect different types of intellectual property.

What should I do if I find someone using my brand name in Turkey?

If you have a registered trademark in Turkey, you have legal grounds to act. The first step is often to send a cease and desist letter through your lawyer. If this is not effective, you can file a lawsuit for trademark infringement to stop the unauthorized use and potentially claim damages. Acting quickly is key to minimizing damage to your brand.

Practice Areas

Intellectual Property Law

In today’s global economy, your most valuable assets are often your ideas, brands, and innovations. Protecting these intellectual property (IP) rights in a foreign market like Turkey is crucial for business success and growth. BV Law provides strategic counsel to international clients on how to secure, manage, and defend their IP rights, ensuring their creative and commercial assets are shielded from infringement.

A strong brand, a unique invention, or a creative design can be your greatest competitive advantage. We help you protect this advantage in Turkey. Our services cover the entire IP lifecycle, from conducting trademark searches and filing for registration to enforcing your rights against infringers. We develop a proactive legal strategy to ensure your intellectual capital is not only protected but also positioned to create maximum commercial value.

Our core services in Intellectual Property Law include:

Filing and prosecuting trademark, patent, and industrial design applications.
Managing opposition proceedings against conflicting applications before the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.
Drafting and negotiating IP-related agreements such as licensing, transfer, and franchise agreements.
Representing clients in IP infringement, invalidation, and unfair competition lawsuits.