International franchising allows foreign brands to expand into the Turkish market with reduced capital risk while leveraging local partners. However, poorly drafted or improperly executed franchise agreements often lead to disputes, brand dilution, or legal voidance. That’s why working with a specialized Turkish Law Firm is essential to ensure enforceability, regulatory compliance, and long-term success.
At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers assist international brands and franchisees in structuring robust, fully compliant franchise agreements under Turkish law. As a best lawyer firm in Turkey for commercial structuring, we ensure clarity, protection, and regulatory alignment across the entire lifecycle of the franchise relationship.
What Makes a Franchise Agreement Legally Valid in Turkey?
Although Turkey has no standalone franchise law, franchise relationships are governed by:
- Turkish Code of Obligations (general contract law)
- Turkish Commercial Code (for business governance)
- Industrial Property Law (trademark licensing)
- Competition Board regulations (vertical agreements)
- Consumer Protection Law (in B2C franchising)
Our Turkish Law Firm ensures all contracts are compliant with these frameworks while reflecting international best practices.
Key Clauses in a Turkish Franchise Agreement
- Scope of license and use of trademark
- Exclusivity and territorial rights
- Training and operational support obligations
- Initial and recurring royalty payments
- Advertising fund contributions
- Franchisee performance metrics and KPIs
- Intellectual property protection mechanisms
- Duration and renewal terms
- Termination rights and penalties
- Post-termination non-compete and confidentiality
All clauses are customized and translated into Turkish for enforceability in Turkish courts. See our contract drafting guide for enforceable terms.
Franchising Models and Legal Structures
We help clients decide on the most suitable model:
- Direct franchising
- Master franchising
- Area development franchising
- Joint venture franchising
Each structure has implications for tax, liability, control, and regulatory filings. Our corporate advisory team handles incorporation and partner vetting.
Registration and IP Protection
Before franchising in Turkey, trademark registration with TürkPatent is strongly recommended. We assist with:
- Trademark clearance and registration
- License registration under Industrial Property Law
- Trademark assignment and coexistence agreements
- Monitoring and enforcement against infringement
See our trademark protection services for more.
Franchise Disputes and Legal Remedies
Our Turkish Law Firm represents franchisors and franchisees in:
- Unfair termination and compensation claims
- Royalty default or late payment litigation
- Violation of territorial exclusivity
- Post-termination brand misuse
- Fraud or non-disclosure disputes
Our commercial litigation team files claims in civil courts or arbitration centers.
Site Resources You Should Explore
- Setting Up a Franchise Entity in Turkey
- Choosing the Right Franchise Legal Partner
- Contract Risk Management for Franchising
- Resolving Franchise Disputes via Arbitration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is there a franchise registry in Turkey? No official registry exists. License agreements may be registered at TürkPatent voluntarily.
- Do franchise agreements need to be in Turkish? Yes, for enforceability. We draft bilingual agreements for court use.
- Are foreign franchisors allowed? Yes. There are no legal restrictions for non-Turkish franchisors.
- Can your firm assist with royalty enforcement? Yes. We initiate collection proceedings and contractual claims.
- Do franchise agreements require notarization? Not mandatory but recommended for authentication.
Contact Our Turkish Law Firm for Franchise Legal Services
Franchising in Turkey requires more than a brand—it requires legal infrastructure and strategy. At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers help international franchisors and local franchisees protect and grow their business through compliant, enforceable, and strategic franchise contracts. As a best lawyer firm in Turkey for commercial agreements, we provide turnkey legal support.