Intellectual Property (IP) Law in Turkey is governed by a modern and well-integrated legal regime that offers strong protections for trademarks, patents, industrial designs, copyrights, trade secrets, and geographical indications. With its membership in major international IP treaties and the establishment of a specialized IP judiciary, Turkey has become a competitive jurisdiction for both national and international rights holders seeking legal certainty and enforcement capability.
At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, we provide complete legal services for protecting and enforcing IP rights in Turkey. Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers handle trademark registration, patent applications, copyright filings, litigation, domain name disputes, licensing, anti-counterfeiting actions, and technology transfer agreements. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for intellectual property law, we serve clients in retail, software, pharmaceuticals, fashion, food, manufacturing, entertainment, and beyond.
Primary Sources of IP Law in Turkey
Intellectual property in Turkey is regulated by a combination of national laws and international agreements. The most critical sources include:
- Industrial Property Code (Law No. 6769): Governs trademarks, patents, utility models, industrial designs, geographical indications
- Copyright Law (Law No. 5846): Regulates literary, musical, artistic and software works
- Turkish Penal Code (TCK) Articles 71–75: Define criminal sanctions for IP infringement
- Turkish Code of Obligations: Covers IP licensing, assignment, and contractual disputes
- International Treaties: Paris Convention, Madrid Protocol, WIPO, TRIPS, Berne Convention, Hague Agreement
Our Turkish Law Firm ensures your IP portfolio is protected under both national law and the applicable international framework. We assist in multi-jurisdictional filings and represent clients before Turkish courts and the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT).
Trademark Registration and Protection in Turkey
Trademarks are one of the most commonly protected IP rights in Turkey. According to Law No. 6769, a trademark is any sign that distinguishes the goods or services of one entity from another—including words, logos, colors, and shapes. Key points include:
- Registration required for full protection
- Registered for 10 years, renewable indefinitely
- Applications filed with TÜRKPATENT electronically or through a representative
- Opposition phase (2 months) allows third parties to object to the trademark
Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers conduct trademark searches, file applications, respond to objections, and initiate litigation or mediation in the case of disputes. We also assist in trademark infringement lawsuits and seizure orders under customs protection.
Patent and Utility Model Protection in Turkey
Patents are granted for inventions that are novel, involve an inventive step, and are industrially applicable. Utility models are a more simplified form of protection for technical innovations with lower novelty standards. In Turkey:
- Patent protection lasts 20 years
- Utility models are protected for 10 years
- Examination and opposition phases apply
- Software per se is not patentable, but software-based inventions may be protected if technical effect exists
Our Turkish Law Firm collaborates with certified patent attorneys for filings, handles objections, and represents clients in infringement or nullity actions before the specialized IP Courts.
Copyright Protection in Turkey
Copyrights in Turkey are regulated under Law No. 5846 on Intellectual and Artistic Works (FSEK). Protection begins automatically upon creation and does not require registration. Covered works include:
- Literary and scientific texts
- Musical and visual works
- Films and TV productions
- Architectural designs
- Software and databases
Authors have both moral rights (name attribution, integrity) and economic rights (copy, reproduce, license). Our Turkish Law Firm registers voluntary notices with the Ministry of Culture and handles lawsuits involving unauthorized use, plagiarism, and performance rights disputes.
Industrial Design and Domain Name Protection
Industrial designs are protected under Law No. 6769 if they are new and have individual character. Registration grants 5 years of protection, renewable up to 25 years. Turkey also recognizes domain names under ".tr" country-code and disputes are resolved under NIC.TR and UDRP rules.
Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers register designs, file oppositions, and pursue design infringement cases. We also file takedown requests for cybersquatting and unauthorized domain usage.
Enforcement of IP Rights in Turkey
When IP rights are violated, Turkish law offers several enforcement tools:
- Criminal complaints to Prosecutor’s Office (forgeries, piracy)
- Infringement lawsuits in IP Courts
- Interim injunctions to block use and seizure of counterfeit goods
- Customs applications to prevent import/export of infringing products
Our Turkish Law Firm initiates court filings, files complaints before the Police and Prosecutor, and requests preservation of evidence (delil tespiti). We also apply for interim orders under Turkish civil procedure law to block violations swiftly.
FAQ: Intellectual Property Law in Turkey
- Q1: Is trademark registration mandatory in Turkey?
Yes. Without registration, protection is limited and litigation success is reduced. - Q2: Are foreign patents valid in Turkey?
Only if registered via PCT or national phase in Turkey. - Q3: Can software be protected in Turkey?
Yes, under copyright law, not patents. - Q4: What happens if someone copies my design?
You can sue for infringement, request an injunction, and demand compensation. - Q5: Can I license my IP rights in Turkey?
Yes. Licensing is enforceable if registered and meets contract law standards. - Q6: Can foreign companies register trademarks?
Yes. Foreign natural and legal persons are allowed to apply under reciprocity rules. - Q7: Are domain name disputes handled by courts?
Most ".tr" cases go through administrative procedures, but civil court lawsuits are possible. - Q8: How long does IP litigation take in Turkey?
Between 12–24 months depending on complexity and appeal stages. - Q9: Are counterfeits criminally prosecuted?
Yes. Trademark infringement carries prison sentences under TCK 71–75. - Q10: How can a Turkish Law Firm help?
We handle registration, licensing, litigation, criminal complaints, and customs enforcement for full IP protection in Turkey.
Protect Your Intellectual Assets with a Turkish Law Firm
Your brand, invention, design, content, and reputation are among your most valuable business assets. In Turkey’s competitive and digitally connected market, defending those rights requires speed, legal precision, and jurisdictional strength.
At ER&GUN&ER Law Firm, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers provide complete lifecycle IP protection—from registration and monitoring to litigation and licensing. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for intellectual property law, we help you turn ideas into protected value and enforce your rights against copycats and infringers at every level.