Registering a trademark in Turkey is essential for establishing ownership, preventing competitors from using similar signs, and strengthening your legal protection as your business expands domestically and internationally.
Turkey is a first-to-file jurisdiction, meaning that trademark rights are obtained primarily through registration—not through prior use. Although in a few exceptional situations extensive prior use may offer limited protection, the general rule is clear: to secure proper rights in Turkey, you must file and register your trademark.
A registered trademark gives you:
- Exclusive rights over your brand for the goods and services covered
- A solid legal foundation to stop infringers and challenge conflicting filings
- A valuable commercial asset that can be licensed, assigned, or franchised
Trademark applications must be filed with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO)
(previously known as the Turkish Patent Institute – TPE.
Turkey is also a member of the Madrid Protocol, which means you can extend an existing international trademark to Turkey via the Madrid System (see our Madrid trademark services.
If you register a combined trademark (word + figurative element), your exclusive rights apply only to the exact configuration filed. If you also need independent protection for the word element or the figurative part, it is advisable to file additional applications.
Additionally, securing a trademark registration in Turkey can be advantageous if you wish to obtain a .com.tr domain name, as this extension is restricted to companies registered in Turkey or to holders of a Turkish trademark registration.