Trademark Application in Turkey

Registering a trademark in Turkey is one of the most important commercial decisions a business can take before entering the Turkish market. Whether you are a global brand expanding into Istanbul, a manufacturer sourcing from Bursa or Izmir, or an entrepreneur launching a new venture, your brand name and logo are legally vulnerable until the moment they are recorded in the official register of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (Türk Patent ve Marka Kurumu — TÜRKPATENT).

At Leo Patent, we file, prosecute, and defend trademark applications in Turkey on behalf of Turkish and foreign clients every working day. This guide explains exactly how the process works, what it costs in time and effort, and what every applicant — local or international — should know before filing. We offer trademark and patent attorney services in Turkey.

Why Trademark Registration in Turkey Matters?

Turkey operates a first-to-file trademark system under Industrial Property Law No. 6769 (in force since 10 January 2017). This means that, with very narrow exceptions, the party who files the application first secures the exclusive right to the mark in Turkey — regardless of who started using it elsewhere.

The practical consequences for businesses are significant:

Without a Turkish registration, you cannot reliably stop third parties from registering or using your brand in Turkey.
Turkish Customs cannot detain counterfeit goods at the border unless you hold a registered trademark recorded in the customs IP enforcement system.
Distribution agreements, franchise deals, and licensing contracts in Turkey require a registered trademark to be legally effective and recordable.
Bad-faith filings by former distributors, agents, or copycats are a real and recurring problem in Turkey — and they are far cheaper to prevent than to litigate.

A registered Turkish trademark is not a formality. It is the legal foundation of every commercial right you intend to exercise in the country.

Why Choose Leo Patent?

Leo Patent is a Turkish intellectual property firm built around one principle: the trademark attorney who signs your application is the same person who answers your emails. No call centers, no ticket queues, no junior staff handling sensitive prosecution decisions.

The firm is led by Burak Unal, a registered Turkish Patent Attorney (Registration No. 1677) and registered Turkish Trademark Attorney (Registration No. 2900), licensed to represent clients directly before the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. The firm is co-owned by a senior Turkish Lawyer Mr. Kaan Karanfiloglu. He is also a trademark attorney. Kaan Karanfiloglu’s Istanbul Bar Association Registration number is 58270 and his Turkey Bar Association Union registration number is 133074.

What clients consistently tell us they value:

Direct attorney access. Foreign clients work directly with a Turkish-qualified trademark and patent attorney from the first email through to the registration certificate — not an account manager forwarding messages to an unnamed back office.
Fluent English correspondence. Filings, office actions, oppositions, and strategy memos are handled in clear English, with full Turkish-language compliance handled internally. We also speak French, Spanish, Chinese and Russian for our foreign clients.
Transparent flat fees. Government fees, attorney fees, and translation costs are disclosed before you sign anything. We do not bill in opaque hourly increments for routine prosecution work.
Same-day response to client emails on working days. Time zones with the EU, the UK, the US East Coast, and the Gulf are accommodated as a matter of course.
Strategic filing advice, not order-taking. We will tell you when a class is poorly chosen, when a mark is descriptive, when a likely conflict exists, and when a different filing strategy (Madrid extension, series of national filings, defensive registrations) better protects your commercial interests.
Direct representation before TÜRKPATENT and the Re-examination and Evaluation Board (YİDK). As registered trademark and patent attorneys, we file, argue, and appeal in our own name on our clients’ behalf.

When your trademark is contested, refused, or opposed, you want a Turkish attorney whose registration is on the file — not an intermediary.

About Burak Unal — Turkish Trademark and Patent Attorney

Burak Unal is a trademark attorney and patent attorney at Leo Patent. He graduated from Bogazici University in 2016 with Business Management degree. He also holds a MSc Finance Degree at London School of Economics.

Patent Attorney Registration No.: 1677
Trademark Attorney Registration No.: 2900
Trademark and Patent Attorney Practice: Registered before the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT)
Languages: Turkish (native), English (professional), French (professional), Chinese (professional)

Burak Unal’s practice focuses on the application of trademarks and patents on behalf of foreign rights holders in Turkey. His work covers national Turkish filings, Madrid Protocol designations of Turkey, oppositions and YİDK appeals and trademark attorney services in Turkey.

He represents clients across pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics, fashion, food and beverage, industrial machinery, software, and professional services — including multinational corporations entering Turkey for the first time and SMEs protecting a single core brand.

Burak Unal’s practice is built on the belief that effective IP protection in Turkey requires a Turkish trademark and patent attorney who understands not only the statute but how examiners and opposition divisions actually apply it.

The Trademark Application Process in Turkey — Step by Step

Below is the full prosecution timeline from initial instruction to grant. Indicative timelines reflect typical TÜRKPATENT processing as of 2026; statutory periods are fixed by law.

Step 1 — Trademark Search and Clearance

Timeline: 2–5 working days

Before filing, we recommend a clearance search against the Turkish register, prior pending applications, and known well-known marks. A proper Turkish search covers:

Identical and phonetically similar Turkish-language marks
Latin-script and Turkish-script equivalents (including diacritics: ç, ğ, ı, ö, ş, ü)
Marks registered in the same and similar Nice classes
Marks transliterated into Turkish (a frequent source of conflict for Arabic, Cyrillic, and Chinese-language brands)

A search report identifies blocking marks, weak elements, and any need to redesign or refile.

Step 2 — Nice Classification and Goods/Services Strategy

Timeline: 1–2 working days after instruction

Turkey is a member of the Nice Agreement and uses the Nice Classification (currently the 12th edition). Choosing the right classes is the single most important strategic decision in a Turkish trademark file. TÜRKPATENT charges per class, and once filed, the specification cannot be broadened.

We advise on:

Selecting only the classes you genuinely use or intend to use within five years (to avoid non-use cancellation under Article 9 of IP Law No. 6769)
Using sub-class headings carefully — TÜRKPATENT applies the sub-class similarity test when assessing conflicts
Avoiding class headings alone, which can leave gaps in coverage

Step 3 — Document Preparation

Timeline: 1–3 working days

We prepare and translate the application, the Power of Attorney, priority documents (if applicable), and the goods/services list in Turkish.

Step 4 — Filing the Application with TÜRKPATENT

Timeline: Same day

Applications are filed electronically through the TÜRKPATENT online system. The applicant receives an official application number and filing date the same day.

Step 5 — Formal Examination

Timeline: Approximately 1–3 months

TÜRKPATENT examines the application for compliance with formal requirements and absolute grounds for refusal under Article 5 of IP Law No. 6769 (e.g., descriptiveness, lack of distinctiveness, deceptiveness, prior identical marks for identical goods).

Step 6 — Publication in the Official Bulletin

Timeline: After formal acceptance

The mark is published in the Official Trademark Bulletin for a 2-month opposition period during which any third party may oppose registration under Article 6 (relative grounds).

Step 7 — Opposition Proceedings (If Any)

Timeline: 4–12 months if opposed

If a third party files an opposition, we prepare a substantive response with evidence and legal argument. Decisions are issued by TÜRKPATENT’s Trademarks Department and may be appealed to the Re-examination and Evaluation Board (YİDK) within two months.

Step 8 — Registration and Issuance of the Certificate

Timeline: 1–2 months after opposition period (if unopposed)

After payment of the registration fee, TÜRKPATENT issues the Trademark Registration Certificate. The registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date and is renewable indefinitely in 10-year periods.

Total typical timeline for an unopposed application: 6–8 months. For an opposed application: 12–18 months.

Required Documents for a Trademark Application in Turkey

The Turkish system is document-light compared to many jurisdictions. For most applications we require:

Document	Required For	Notes
Applicant name, address, nationality	All applicants	Legal entity name must match the commercial register
Representation of the mark (JPG/PNG, min. 591×591 px, max. 8×8 cm)	All applicants	Color claim must be stated explicitly
List of goods/services in Nice classes	All applicants	We prepare this in Turkish
Power of Attorney (POA)	All applicants	No notarization or legalization required — a simple signed scan is sufficient
Priority document	If claiming Paris Convention priority within 6 months of an earlier filing	Certified copy required
Transliteration / translation of non-Latin marks	Marks in non-Latin scripts	We handle this in-house

The simplicity of the Turkish POA requirement for trademark and patent services: no notarization, no apostille, no consular legalization. It is one of the practical advantages of filing in Turkey. A signed PDF emailed to us is enough to begin.

Types of Trademarks Registrable in Turkey

Turkish law recognizes a broad range of sign types under Article 4 of IP Law No. 6769:

Word marks — names, slogans, and letter combinations in Latin or other scripts
Logo marks — figurative/device marks, with or without text
Combined marks — word + figurative elements
Slogans — protectable where distinctive (not merely promotional)
3D marks — product shapes and packaging, where non-functional and distinctive
Color marks — single colors or color combinations, where acquired distinctiveness can be shown
Sound marks — represented by sonogram or musical notation
Motion marks — represented by sequential images or video
Position marks — where the placement of the sign is the distinctive element
Pattern marks — repeating visual patterns
Hologram marks — represented by images showing the holographic effect

Turkey does not currently grant scent or taste marks, as graphical representation requirements cannot reliably be satisfied.

Who Can Apply for a Trademark in Turkey?

There is no nationality restriction. Any of the following may file a Turkish trademark application:

Turkish individuals and companies — file directly or through a registered attorney
Turkish individuals who live abroad — must appoint a registered Turkish trademark attorney
Foreign individuals (natural persons) of any nationality — must appoint a registered Turkish trademark attorney
Foreign companies and legal entities — must appoint a registered Turkish trademark attorney
International applicants via the Madrid Protocol — designate Turkey through WIPO; local representation is still required if a refusal or opposition arises

Turkey is a member of the Paris Convention, the Madrid Agreement and Protocol, the Nice Agreement, the Vienna Agreement, the TRIPS Agreement, and the Singapore Treaty. Foreign applicants enjoy full national treatment.

Important: Under Turkish law, foreign applicants without a Turkish residence or place of business cannot file directly. Representation by a registered Turkish trademark attorney is mandatory. Leo Patent acts as registered representative for clients in over 30 countries.

Benefits of Registering Your Trademark in Turkey

A registered Turkish trademark gives you:

Exclusive nationwide rights to use the mark for the registered goods/services for 10 years, renewable indefinitely
The right to prevent third parties from using identical or confusingly similar signs (Articles 7 and 29 of IP Law No. 6769)
The right to file civil infringement actions for injunctions, damages, and destruction of infringing goods
The right to file criminal complaints against counterfeiters under Article 30 — punishable by imprisonment of 1 to 4 years and judicial fines
Customs enforcement — record your mark with the Turkish Customs Authority to detain counterfeit imports and exports at the border
Licensing and franchising rights — record license agreements with TÜRKPATENT for enforceability against third parties
Asset value — trademarks are recognized intangible assets, transferable, mortgageable, and capable of being valued on the balance sheet
Basis for Madrid Protocol filings abroad using Turkey as the home country
Defensive value — a registered mark blocks bad-faith registrations and copycat filings

Common Mistakes Foreign Applicants Make in Turkey

After thousands of files, the most expensive mistakes we see are predictable:

1. Choosing the wrong Nice classes. Filing in too few classes leaves gaps. Filing in too many wastes fees and exposes the registration to non-use cancellation after five years. We rebuild specifications case-by-case.

2. Filing weak or descriptive marks. Marks that describe the goods (e.g., “Fresh Bread” for bakeries) or that are common in the trade are refused under Article 5. We flag this before filing, not after.

3. Skipping the clearance search. A €200 search saves a €5,000 opposition battle. Foreign applicants routinely file without checking the Turkish register and discover a senior identical mark after publication.

4. Filing late — after entering the market. Once you start importing, marketing, or distributing in Turkey, third parties (including former distributors) can race you to the register. File before the first commercial activity.

5. DIY filings without a Turkish attorney. Foreign applicants who try to file through general legal counsel or non-specialist agents routinely lose oppositions on procedural grounds, miss YİDK appeal deadlines, or accept overly narrow specifications.

6. Forgetting renewals. The 10-year renewal must be filed within the 6 months before expiry, with a 6-month grace period at higher fees. Missing the deadline forfeits the registration.

7. Failing to record assignments and licenses. Unrecorded transfers and licenses are not enforceable against third parties in Turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does trademark registration take in Turkey?

An unopposed Turkish trademark application typically reaches registration in 6 to 8 months from the filing date. If an opposition is filed during the 2-month publication period, the process can extend to 12–18 months depending on the complexity of the dispute and any YİDK appeals.

2. Can foreigners register a trademark in Turkey?

Yes. Any foreign individual or foreign company can register a trademark in Turkey under exactly the same conditions as Turkish citizens, with full national treatment under the Paris Convention. The only requirement is that foreign applicants without a residence or business in Turkey must appoint a registered Turkish trademark attorney to act on their behalf. We are a registered trademark attorney and we give services to foreigners.

3. How much does it cost to register a trademark in Turkey?

Total cost depends on the number of Nice classes and whether an opposition is filed. As of 2026, a single-class unopposed Turkish trademark application — including official TÜRKPATENT fees, attorney fees, and the registration fee — typically falls in the range of EUR 450–750. Each additional class adds a relatively small incremental cost. Leo Patent provides written flat-fee quotes before any work begins.

4. What happens if my trademark application is rejected?

If TÜRKPATENT refuses your application on absolute grounds (Article 5) or following a successful opposition (Article 6), you have two months to appeal to the Re-examination and Evaluation Board (YİDK). If YİDK upholds the refusal, you may file a cancellation action before the Ankara IP Courts within two months of notification. Leo Patent handles all three levels.

5. How long is trademark protection valid in Turkey?

A Turkish trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date and may be renewed indefinitely in further 10-year periods. There is no limit on the number of renewals.

6. Can I file a trademark application online in Turkey?

Yes. All Turkish trademark applications are filed electronically through TÜRKPATENT’s online portal. However, only registered Turkish trademark attorneys can use the e-filing system on behalf of foreign applicants, and only attorneys can receive electronic service of office actions.

7. Is a Turkish trademark attorney required for foreign applicants?

Yes. Under Article 160 of IP Law No. 6769, individuals and legal entities without a residence or place of business in Turkey must be represented by a Turkish trademark attorney registered with TÜRKPATENT. This is not optional and applies to all post-filing acts (oppositions, responses, appeals, renewals, recordals). If a foreigner has a residence permit in Turkey, foreigner can apply directly without a trademark attorney.

8. Does Turkey use the Nice Classification?

Yes. Turkey is a party to the Nice Agreement and applies the Nice Classification (NCL) — 12th edition. Government fees are charged on a per-class basis.

9. Is Turkey part of the Madrid Protocol?

Yes. Turkey has been a member of the Madrid Protocol since 1 January 1999. Foreign holders of an international registration may designate Turkey through WIPO. If TÜRKPATENT issues a provisional refusal or the mark is opposed, a registered Turkish attorney must be appointed to respond.

10. Can I claim priority from an earlier foreign trademark filing when I apply for trademark in Turkey?

Yes. Under the Paris Convention, Turkey recognizes priority claims filed within 6 months of the first foreign application. A certified copy of the priority document must be submitted with the Turkish filing or shortly thereafter.

11. What is the opposition period in Turkey?

The opposition period is 2 months from the date of publication of the application in the Official Trademark Bulletin. This deadline is strict and cannot be extended.

12. What are the grounds for opposing a trademark in Turkey?

Under Article 6 of IP Law No. 6769, oppositions can be based on, among others:

Earlier identical or confusingly similar registered or applied-for marks
Well-known marks under Article 6bis of the Paris Convention
Bad-faith filings
Unauthorized filings by agents or representatives
Earlier unregistered rights acquired through use
Conflict with personal names, copyright, industrial designs, or geographical indications

13. Can I license or assign my Turkish trademark?

Yes. Turkish trademarks may be licensed (exclusively or non-exclusively), assigned, mortgaged, and inherited. To be enforceable against third parties, assignments and licenses must be recorded with TÜRKPATENT. Assignments must be in writing.

14. What is the “use requirement” for Turkish trademarks?

A Turkish trademark must be genuinely used in Turkey within 5 years from the registration date. Non-use during any continuous 5-year period can result in cancellation for non-use under Article 9 — either through TÜRKPATENT’s administrative cancellation procedure (in force since 10 January 2024) or through the IP Courts.

15. Can a former distributor or agent register my brand in Turkey?

Unfortunately, yes — and it happens regularly. Under Article 6(2) of IP Law No. 6769, you can challenge such bad-faith filings, but the safer and far cheaper strategy is to register before appointing distributors or agents. We strongly advise filing Turkish trademark applications before entering any commercial relationship in Turkey.

16. Does a Turkish registration protect my mark in the EU?

No. A Turkish registration is territorial and protects the mark only in Turkey. For EU protection you need an EU Trade Mark (EUTM) filed with EUIPO, or national filings in EU member states. We routinely coordinate parallel filings.

17. Can I register a trademark in my own name and then transfer it to my company?

Yes, but the assignment must be properly drafted and recorded with TÜRKPATENT to be enforceable. We recommend filing in the correct corporate name from the outset to avoid additional fees and possible tax implications.

File Your Trademark in Turkey — Talk to a Registered Turkish Attorney

If you are preparing to enter the Turkish market, expanding an existing brand, or responding to an opposition or refusal, Leo Patent can help. We offer:

A free initial assessment of your mark and proposed classes
A written flat-fee quote covering official fees, attorney fees, and translation
Filing within 1–3 working days of instruction
Direct, English-language correspondence with a registered Turkish trademark attorney throughout the process

Contact Leo Patent today to file your trademark application in Turkey with confidence.

Email: [email protected] Website: www.leopatent.com Filed directly before the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT)

Trademark Registration Process in Turkey

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