trademark use

Trademark use refers to the actual commercial use of a trademark in the course of trade in connection with the goods or services for which it is registered. Genuine use is essential both for acquiring and maintaining trademark rights.

In many jurisdictions, a trademark must be put to genuine use within a certain period after registration (commonly five years). Failure to do so may expose the mark to a Trademark non-use cancellation action. Use must be real and commercial in nature, not merely token or symbolic, and should serve the function of identifying the origin of goods or services.

Trademark use may take various forms, including use on products, packaging, advertising, websites, or other commercial materials. The form of use may vary slightly from the registered version, provided that the distinctive character of the mark is not altered.

In Türkiye, under the Turkish Industrial Property Code, trademarks must be genuinely used within five years from registration; otherwise, they may be subject to revocation upon request.

Trademark use is a fundamental principle ensuring that trademark protection is linked to actual economic activity and not merely to formal registration.