If you’re planning to protect your brand in Turkey, understanding the national trademark application process is essential. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how to file a trademark application before the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT), including practical tips and legal insights.
📌 Why Register a Trademark in Turkey?
Turkey is a major emerging market with a population of over 85 million Trademark registration offers nationwide legal protection You can take legal action against infringers, counterfeiters, and domain squatters Registered trademarks become valuable intangible assets for licensing or investment
📝 Who Can File?
Any individual or legal entity, whether domestic or foreign, can apply for trademark protection in Turkey.
Foreign applicants must appoint a Turkish trademark attorney Power of attorney is required (no notarization/legalization needed)
🧭 Step-by-Step Application Process
1️⃣ Trademark Search (Recommended)
Before filing, check whether identical or similar trademarks already exist.
➡️ You can use the TÜRKPATENT online search tool or ask your attorney to conduct a similarity search.
2️⃣ Application Filing
You submit the application via:
The TÜRKPATENT e-system (for residents) Through a local trademark attorney (for foreign applicants)
Your application must include:
Trademark representation (word, logo, shape, etc.) List of goods/services (classified under Nice Classification) Applicant’s identity and contact details Priority claim (if any)
3️⃣ Formal Examination
TÜRKPATENT reviews whether your application complies with formal and classification rules.
4️⃣ Absolute Grounds Examination
The Office checks whether the mark is distinctive and non-descriptive. If not, a refusal will be issued.
5️⃣ Publication
If no objection is raised, the trademark is published for opposition for 2 months in the Turkish Official Trademark Bulletin.
6️⃣ Opposition Period
Third parties may object to your application based on prior rights or bad faith claims.
7️⃣ Registration
If no opposition is filed or opposition is rejected, the trademark is registered and published.
📜 A registration certificate is issued, valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
💡 Practical Tips
Use precise class headings and terms (based on Nice Classification) Consider filing a logo + word mark separately for stronger protection Watch for opposition deadlines and be ready to defend your mark You can request accelerated examination in some cases (e.g., litigation urgency)
🛠️ What If the Trademark Is Refused?
You may:
Submit a response to TÜRKPATENT (within 2 months) Appeal to the Reexamination and Evaluation Board (YİDK) File a cancellation lawsuit before the Ankara IP Court
Read our full WIPO refusal guide here if your application was filed via Madrid System and got refused in Turkey.
🔍 Duration and Cost
Timeframe: Typically 6–12 months if uncontested Costs: Government fees start around $100–150, plus attorney fees Validity: 10 years from filing date Renewal: Every 10 years, no usage proof required at renewal
🧑⚖️ Why Work with a Turkish Trademark Attorney?
In Turkey, only licensed trademark attorneys and lawyers are authorized to represent applicants.
✅ They are:
Registered with TÜRKPATENT or the Bar Association Subject to the Attorneyship Law and ethical obligations Legally responsible for your application — unlike unlicensed consultants
You can verify any attorney’s registration via:
TÜRKPATENT’s attorney database Union of Turkish Bar Associations
📣 Need Help with Your Turkish Trademark?
Whether you’re filing directly in Turkey or converting a WIPO designation into national protection, our IP team is ready to support your trademark journey.
📧 Email: emre@emrekurt.av.tr
📱 WhatsApp: +90 551 942 20 34
We handle trademark clearance, filing, appeals, oppositions, and enforcement in Turkey — with precision, speed, and legal confidence.
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