Intellectual property (IP) rights are critical assets in today’s innovation-driven economy—protecting everything from brand identity and software code to inventions and creative content. In Turkey, IP rights are protected under the Industrial Property Code No. 6769 and Turkish Copyright Law, as well as international agreements such as the Paris Convention, Berne Convention, and TRIPS. At Istanbul Law Firm, our expert English speaking lawyers in Turkey offer full legal support in trademark, patent, copyright, and design law, providing strategic registration, enforcement, and litigation services.
Whether you're a startup protecting your first logo, a multinational enforcing patent rights, or an artist safeguarding your work, we deliver customized IP solutions that align with both Turkish and global legal standards. Recognized as a best lawyer firm in Turkey for IP and technology law, we combine legal depth with sector knowledge to protect and monetize intellectual assets. Related: How to Register and Enforce a Trademark in Turkey, Litigation and IP Dispute Resolution in Turkish Courts
Trademark Registration and Brand Enforcement in Turkey
Trademark protection in Turkey is governed by the Industrial Property Code No. 6769 and administered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT). Trademarks can include names, logos, slogans, packaging shapes, and even sounds that distinguish goods or services. Registration is essential to obtain exclusive rights, prevent unauthorized use, and enforce brand identity. At Istanbul Law Firm, we provide end-to-end legal support in trademark clearance, application filing, opposition defense, and renewal procedures. Our team conducts availability searches, drafts registration strategies, and monitors for potential infringements across classes.
The standard trademark application process in Turkey takes approximately 6–8 months and includes substantive examination and third-party opposition stages. Once registered, protection lasts for 10 years and is renewable indefinitely. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey represent clients in filing domestic applications, as well as international filings under the Madrid Protocol. We also handle disputes over similar marks, unfair competition claims, and brand hijacking by third parties attempting to register confusingly similar signs.
Recognized as a best lawyer firm in Turkey for trademark enforcement, Istanbul Law Firm offers both civil and criminal legal remedies against counterfeiters, domain squatters, and IP infringers. We file cease-and-desist letters, pursue preliminary injunctions, and initiate litigation before Turkish IP courts. Related: Step-by-Step Guide to Trademark Registration in Turkey, How to Protect Your Brand Rights in Turkish Courts
Patent and Utility Model Protection for Inventions
Turkey offers robust protection for inventions through patents and utility models, each with distinct requirements and durations. A patent provides exclusive rights for up to 20 years, granted for novel, inventive, and industrially applicable solutions, while utility models—lasting up to 10 years—protect less complex technical innovations without requiring an inventive step. At Istanbul Law Firm, we assist innovators, engineers, and corporate R&D teams in drafting patent specifications, conducting prior art searches, filing national or PCT applications, and navigating examination procedures before TÜRKPATENT.
We also advise on licensing, assignment, and co-ownership structures that govern patent usage and commercialization. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey work closely with patent attorneys and technical experts to ensure every filing meets legal and scientific standards. We also defend against invalidation claims and assist in patent oppositions or infringement risk assessments. For international clients, we coordinate cross-border filing strategies under the European Patent Convention (EPC) and Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Recognized as a best lawyer firm in Turkey for invention protection, Istanbul Law Firm also handles patent litigation, including injunction requests, evidence seizure (delil tespiti), and damage claims against infringers. We secure innovation rights while minimizing enforcement delays. Related: How to File a Patent in Turkey, Legal Remedies Against Patent Infringement in Turkey
Copyright, Software, and Artistic Work Protection
Copyright in Turkey is governed by Law No. 5846 on Intellectual and Artistic Works (FSEK), which protects original literary, musical, cinematic, and visual creations, as well as software code and digital content. Copyright arises automatically upon creation and does not require registration; however, optional registration with the Ministry of Culture can serve as proof in legal disputes. At Istanbul Law Firm, we provide comprehensive protection for artists, musicians, authors, developers, and digital content creators—including licensing, moral rights enforcement, and litigation against unauthorized use or reproduction.
Software, websites, databases, and mobile applications are all considered “works” under Turkish copyright law. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey draft IP clauses in employment and outsourcing contracts to secure ownership of code, prepare software license agreements, and initiate takedown procedures against pirated content. We also assist in claims for plagiarism, unauthorized broadcasting, and violation of digital distribution rights under FSEK and applicable international copyright treaties.
As a best lawyer firm in Turkey for creative rights, Istanbul Law Firm offers both proactive protection and aggressive legal remedies—including preliminary injunctions, content removal orders, and compensation claims. Related: How to Legally Protect Your Copyright in Turkey, IP Strategies for Software and App Developers
Industrial Designs and Product Appearance Rights
Industrial designs protect the aesthetic features of a product, including its shape, pattern, color, and configuration, provided the design is new and has individual character. In Turkey, design rights are granted under the Industrial Property Code and administered by TÜRKPATENT. Registered designs are protected for an initial period of five years, renewable up to a maximum of 25 years. At Istanbul Law Firm, we guide designers, manufacturers, fashion brands, and product developers through the full lifecycle of design protection—from filing and examination to renewal and enforcement.
Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey help clients prepare design visuals, classify products under the Locarno system, and file domestic or international applications (including via the Hague System). We also monitor design registries for potential infringements and handle oppositions, cancellations, and litigation against unauthorized replication or counterfeit products. Industrial design protection is especially critical in competitive sectors like fashion, packaging, home goods, and consumer electronics.
As a best lawyer firm in Turkey for design and aesthetic rights, Istanbul Law Firm ensures your product’s appearance is protected not only in the marketplace but also in the courtroom. We secure exclusivity and act swiftly against visual infringement. Related: How to Register a Design in Turkey, Filing a Design Rights Violation Lawsuit in Turkey
IP Enforcement, Litigation, and Anti-Counterfeiting Strategy
Protecting intellectual property in Turkey requires both registration and active enforcement against infringement, counterfeiting, and unfair competition. Turkish IP courts provide specialized forums for rights holders to file lawsuits, obtain injunctions, and claim damages. Infringement of registered trademarks, patents, designs, or copyrighted works can also trigger criminal liability under the Turkish Penal Code. At Istanbul Law Firm, we develop integrated IP enforcement strategies that include administrative complaints, customs seizures, online takedown procedures, and civil and criminal litigation.
Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey represent multinational corporations, technology firms, fashion brands, artists, and pharmaceutical companies in defending their IP portfolios across Turkey. We initiate pre-litigation actions such as warning letters, domain name disputes, and evidence preservation (delil tespiti). For high-volume counterfeiting, we coordinate with customs and law enforcement agencies to seize goods, shut down operations, and prosecute offenders. We also file claims under unfair competition law for trade dress imitation and misleading advertising.
As a best lawyer firm in Turkey for IP litigation and brand defense, Istanbul Law Firm delivers fast, strategic, and decisive legal action to protect intangible assets and maintain market exclusivity. Related: How to Enforce IP Rights in Turkish Courts, Legal Tools Against Counterfeit Products in Turkey
Why Istanbul Law Firm Is the Strategic IP Law Partner in Turkey
In today’s global economy, intellectual property is among your most valuable business assets—and it demands proactive, precise legal protection. At Istanbul Law Firm, we provide strategic, end-to-end IP legal services for innovators, brand owners, creative professionals, and corporate legal departments. From registration to enforcement, from licensing to litigation, our expert team delivers comprehensive legal support tailored to your intellectual property strategy in Turkey and beyond.
Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey offer seamless communication, bilingual documentation, and cross-border coordination for international filings and disputes. We stay ahead of legal updates, global enforcement trends, and regulatory changes affecting patents, trademarks, copyrights, and designs. Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding your brand globally, or fighting infringement, we act as your legal backbone for sustainable IP success.
Recognized as a best lawyer firm in Turkey for IP and technology law, Istanbul Law Firm is the trusted partner for businesses that take intellectual property seriously. Related: How to Build an Effective IP Strategy in Turkey, Choosing the Right Legal Path in Turkish IP Disputes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need to register my trademark in Turkey? – Yes. Without registration, your trademark is not protected under Turkish law. We handle national and international filings.
- How long does it take to register a trademark in Turkey? – On average, 6–8 months. We expedite filings, respond to office actions, and manage oppositions efficiently.
- What is the difference between a patent and a utility model? – Patents require an inventive step and last 20 years. Utility models last 10 years but are faster to obtain. We advise which fits your invention best.
- Are copyrights registered in Turkey? – No registration is required for copyright protection, but optional filings help prove authorship. We assist with both.
- Can I enforce my IP rights in Turkish courts? – Yes. We file lawsuits for trademark, patent, copyright, and design infringements before specialized IP courts.
- Is software protected under copyright or patent? – Software is protected under copyright. Certain technical features may also qualify for patent. We help structure both protections.
- How can I stop counterfeit goods in Turkey? – Through customs intervention, police raids, and court action. We build and implement anti-counterfeiting strategies.
- Are international trademarks valid in Turkey? – Yes, if filed under the Madrid Protocol and approved by TÜRKPATENT. We handle the full process.
- How do I protect product designs? – By registering industrial designs valid for up to 25 years. We prepare design visuals and file applications locally and internationally.
- Can I license or sell my IP rights in Turkey? – Yes. We draft licensing, franchising, and assignment agreements in compliance with Turkish and international law.
- What if someone registers my brand before me? – You may file for invalidation or cancellation. We represent clients in reclaiming hijacked marks.
- Who is the best law firm for IP in Turkey? – Istanbul Law Firm—a best lawyer firm in Turkey—offering full-scope IP registration, enforcement, and litigation services.
Contact Our Turkish IP Lawyers Today
Whether you're launching a new brand, defending a patent, or protecting your digital content, Istanbul Law Firm provides expert, proactive, and fully customized IP legal services. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey guide you through registration, enforcement, and litigation with confidence and precision. Recognized as a best lawyer firm in Turkey for intellectual property law, we help secure your innovation and defend your rights. Contact us now for tailored IP counsel.
