This provides comprehensive guidance for applying for and registering trademarks in Türkiye.

What Qualifies as a Trademark?

Under the Turkish Industrial Property Code (Article 4):

A trademark may consist of any sign capable of distinguishing goods/services and being represented clearly in the register.

This includes:

  • Words and names
  • Logos and shapes
  • Colors
  • Sounds
  • Packaging

Non-Traditional Marks: Possible but Difficult

While legally recognized, the following are difficult to register:

  • 3D marks
  • Sound marks
  • Motion marks
  • Scent marks

Applicants should expect initial refusal and must prove acquired distinctiveness.

Filing Requirements: Securing a Filing Date

To obtain a filing date before the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT), the following are mandatory:

  • Applicant details (name/title and address)
  • Trademark sample (min. 512×512 px, 300 DPI)
  • List of goods and services
  • Payment of official fees

If any element is missing, the Office issues a deficiency notice. The applicant has 2 months to complete the file.

Multi-Class Applications

Türkiye allows multi-class trademark applications:

  • No limit on the number of classes (up to all 45 Nice classes)
  • Each class requires a separate official fee

Official Fees: How They Are Calculated

Fees are class-based:

  • The same official fee applies for the first and second classes
  • A slightly higher fee applies for the third and each additional class
  • Fees are not affected by:
    • Number of goods/services
    • Type of mark (word, logo, color, 3D, etc.)
    • Applicant type (individual or company)

Language & Transliteration Rules

  • Marks in Latin alphabet: no translation required
  • Marks in non-Latin scripts (e.g., Cyrillic, Chinese):
    → Transliteration into Latin characters is mandatory

Goods & Services Strategy

Applicants may:

  1. Use standard class headings provided by TÜRKPATENT based on the Nice Classification
  2. Draft custom specifications (must be clear and precise)

Vague terms may trigger office actions and delays. Precision at filing is critical.

Special rule for Class 35 (retail and wholesale services)

  • “Variety of goods” is not acceptable
  • Goods must be specifically listed

Corrections and Amendments

  • Minor errors (typos) can be corrected
  • Core elements cannot be changed:
    • Trademark itself
    • Goods/services list

Priority Claims

  • Based on the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
  • Must be claimed within 6 months of first filing
  • Certified copy of the prior application/registration must be filed within 3 months, with sworn Turkish translation

WIPO DAS is not accepted.

Examination Process

TÜRKPATENT conducts ex officio examination based on absolute grounds, including:

  • Non-registrable signs
  • Lack of distinctiveness
  • Descriptiveness
  • Identical or indistinguishably similar earlier marks
  • Generic or commonly used trade signs
  • Functional or value-driven shapes
  • Deceptive signs
  • Prohibited signs under the Paris Convention
  • Signs of public interest
  • Religious symbols
  • Signs contrary to public policy or morality
  • Geographical indications

Practical notes

  • Most refusals arise from identical earlier marks and descriptiveness
  • Identical mark conflicts are assessed relatively narrowly
  • A notarized letter of consent may overcome such refusals
  • Descriptiveness is examined strictly
  • Non-distinctive marks may proceed if acquired distinctiveness is proven

Relative grounds (similarity conflicts) are primarily handled through opposition proceedings.

Publication & Opposition

  • Applications are published for 2 months
  • Third parties may file oppositions during this period

Registration & Protection

  • Registration fee must be paid within 2 months after approval
  • Certificate issued electronically (approximately 2 months)
  • Protection term: 10 years, renewable indefinitely

How Long Does It Take?

A straightforward trademark application typically takes 6–8 months:

  • Examination: ~2 months
  • Publication: 2 months
  • Decision (no opposition): ~2 months
  • Registration: 1–2 months

Possible delays

  • Opposition: +6–8 months
  • Appeals: +6–8 months per stage

Representation Requirement

  • Turkish residents: may act directly
  • Foreign applicants: must appoint a Turkish trademark attorney .

A well-prepared application not only accelerates registration but also strengthens enforceability. In Türkiye.