Trademark Applications and Registration

A trade mark is a company’s most visible and often most valuable asset; but protection starts with registration, and a name used without registration can be registered by someone else. We handle your trade mark registration end to end, from the similarity search to application, opposition and revocation proceedings before the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT).

What is trade mark registration, and how is it done?

Trade mark registration is the entry in the register by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office of the exclusive right to use a sign for certain goods and services. The owner of a registered mark can prevent unauthorised use of an identical or similar mark. Protection lasts ten years from the application date and can be renewed indefinitely for further ten-year periods.

The application is made by specifying the mark and the goods and services it will cover, using the 45 classes of the international classification. The Office examines the application for formalities and grounds for refusal and, if it is acceptable, publishes it in the Official Trademark Bulletin. Third parties may oppose within two months of publication; if there is no opposition or oppositions are rejected, the mark is registered.

Why is a trade mark similarity search necessary?

A similarity search before filing shows whether an identical or similar mark has already been registered. Similarity with an earlier mark may lead to refusal of the application or to opposition proceedings; more importantly, a mark being used without registration may be infringing someone else’s rights. The search makes it possible to see this risk before investing in the mark.

Scope

• Trade mark similarity searches, determining classes and services, and cost estimates for applications
• Filing and following up trade mark applications before the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office
• Filing oppositions, and handling oppositions filed by third parties against trade mark applications
• Following up processes and advising on the protection of unregistered marks
• Advising on domain name registration processes
• Conducting trade mark revocation requests before the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office

How We Work

1. Assessing the mark and the field of activity; setting the classes and the list of goods and services
2. Carrying out the similarity search and giving an opinion on registrability
3. Filing the application and following the Office’s process
4. Monitoring oppositions during publication; responding to oppositions received and opposing similar marks
5. Post-registration trade mark watch and a renewal calendar