Trademark registration in Turkey - The ultimate guide
Find out everything about the application process, costs and time required to register your trademark in Turkey.
In which country do you want to register your trademark?
Contents
Why register a trademark in Turkey?
Which body registers trademarks in Turkey?
How is trademark priority in Turkey determined?
How long does it take to register a trademark in Turkey?
What is the cost of trademark registration in Turkey?
Who can register a trademark in Turkey?
What does the trademark registration process in Turkey look like?
What does the trademark opposition process look like in Turkey?
How long does a trademark last in Turkey? How can I renew my Turkish trademark?
Why register a trademark in Turkey?
As a rapidly growing economy and a strategic bridge between Europe and Asia, Turkey offers significant opportunities for foreign investors. Establishing a commercial presence in Turkey provides companies with access to a large and diverse market and facilitates expansion into neighboring regions.
Given Turkey's 'First-to-File' system, obtaining trademark protection is highly recommended, even if branded products are not yet sold in the country. Any business wishing to ensure its brand is well-protected before expanding internationally should consider Turkey a priority on its trademark list.
Which body registers trademarks in Turkey?
The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (Türk Patent ve Marka Kurumu, TÜRKPATENT) is responsible for examining, granting, and administering intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, and designs in Turkey.
How is trademark priority in Turkey determined?
Turkey is a "First-to-File" jurisdiction, meaning applicants who first apply for a trademark are assigned trademark rights and given priority over others, regardless of the actual use of the trademark in commerce.
How long does it take to register a trademark in Turkey?
It generally takes 6 to 12 months to register a trademark (from filing the application to the final decision), provided there is no objection or opposition lodged against your application. In the event of opposition, the process may take longer.
What is the cost of trademark registration in Turkey?
The fees for trademark registration in Turkey are:
Trademark application fee: TRY 1,630 (approx. $50) per one Class of goods or services
Trademark registration fee: TRY 4,020 (approx. $124) per one Class of goods or services
Who can register a trademark in Turkey?
Both domestic and foreign applicants can file for trademark registration in Turkey. Foreign applicants must appoint a local representative who is a resident in Turkey and a registered trademark agent.
What does the trademark registration process in Turkey look like?
Create a distinctive sign:
- A trademark must have distinctiveness to be eligible for registration. It should distinguish the goods or services of one enterprise from those of others. Non-distinctive, generic, or overly descriptive marks are less likely to be registered by TÜRKPATENT.
Conduct a prior search:
- Before applying, it is advisable to conduct a trademark search to ensure that your mark is not confusingly similar to already registered marks. This helps avoid rejection or opposition from existing trademark owners.
Submit an application:
- Applications can be submitted online through the TÜRKPATENT's e-filing system or in person/by mail at TÜRKPATENT's headquarters. The application must include the trademark, the list of goods or services, and the necessary fees.
Examination process:
Formal Examination: TÜRKPATENT will first check for formal deficiencies in the application (e.g., incorrect data, non-payment of fees). If any issues are found, applicants will be notified and given a chance to correct them.
Publication: If the application passes the formal examination, it will be published in the Turkish Official Trademark Bulletin for a two-month opposition period.
Substantive Examination: After the opposition period, TÜRKPATENT will conduct a substantive examination to ensure the trademark meets all requirements. If any issues are found, an office action will be issued, and the applicant must respond within a given time frame.
5. Registration and issuance of certificate:
If the application passes the substantive examination and any opposition proceedings, TÜRKPATENT will grant the trademark registration, and the applicant must pay the registration fee. Once paid, TÜRKPATENT will issue the registration certificate.
What does the trademark opposition process look like in Turkey?
After publication in the Turkish Official Trademark Bulletin, there is a two-month period during which third parties can file oppositions. If an opposition is filed, the applicant will be notified and given a chance to respond.
Time: Opposition proceedings can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case.
Cost: The fee for filing an opposition is approximately TRY 640 (approx. $20). Additional costs may arise if legal representation is needed.
How long does a trademark last in Turkey? How can I renew my Turkish trademark?
A trademark in Turkey lasts for 10 years from the date of registration. It can be renewed indefinitely for subsequent 10-year periods.
Renewal fee (within the official date): TRY 5,010 (approx. $155) per class.
Renewal fee (within an extended period): An additional fee may apply for late renewal, typically 25% of the standard renewal fee.
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