Turkish Intellectual Property Law | Trademark, Patent & Copyright in Turkey

Turkish Intellectual Property Law | Trademark, Patent & Copyright Protection in Turkey

Protecting your intellectual property in Turkey is essential if you trade in or with Turkey, manufacture goods there, licence your brand to Turkish businesses, or sell products online to Turkish consumers. Turkish IP law has been extensively modernised in recent years, with a dedicated Industrial Property Law (Law No. 6769) and comprehensive copyright legislation aligned with international standards. However, enforcement remains complex and requires local expertise.

At Kaya Legal, our London team advises UK businesses and individuals on registering, protecting, and enforcing intellectual property rights in Turkey — from trademark applications to copyright infringement claims.

Trademark Registration in Turkey

Trademarks in Turkey are registered with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (Türk Patent ve Marka Kurumu — TÜRKPATENT). Turkey operates a first-to-file system, meaning that the first person to file a trademark application will generally obtain registration rights, regardless of prior use. UK businesses with brand exposure in Turkey should register their trademarks proactively to prevent third-party squatting.

Turkey is a member of the Madrid System, which allows international trademark applications to designate Turkey through a single filing via WIPO. We advise on whether a direct Turkish application or a Madrid System designation is more appropriate for your situation, and manage the application process through to registration.

Patent Protection in Turkey

Patents in Turkey are granted by TÜRKPATENT. Turkey is a member of the European Patent Convention (EPC), meaning that European patents can be validated in Turkey. Turkish national patent applications are also available. Patent protection lasts for 20 years from the filing date for invention patents, and 10 years for utility models. We advise on patent strategy for UK businesses with technology or products manufactured or sold in Turkey.

Copyright in Turkey

Copyright in Turkey arises automatically upon creation of a qualifying work — no registration is required. Turkish copyright law (Law No. 5846) protects literary, musical, artistic, and software works for the life of the author plus 70 years. We advise on copyright ownership, licensing, and infringement claims in Turkey, and assist UK rights holders in enforcing their copyright against Turkish infringers.

IP Enforcement in Turkey

Turkish courts take IP infringement seriously, and both civil and criminal remedies are available. Civil remedies include injunctions, damages, and the destruction of infringing goods. Criminal sanctions can apply to serious infringement cases. Customs recordal of trademarks and copyrights allows Turkish customs authorities to seize counterfeit goods at the border. We advise on the full range of enforcement options and represent clients in Turkish IP litigation.

How We Help UK Businesses

  • Trademark registration at TÜRKPATENT — direct and Madrid System applications
  • Patent validation and national patent applications in Turkey
  • Copyright advice and licensing for UK rights holders
  • IP due diligence for Turkish acquisitions and joint ventures
  • Enforcement of trademarks, patents, and copyrights in Turkey
  • Customs recordal to intercept counterfeit goods
  • IP litigation and injunctions through Turkish courts

To protect your brand and IP in Turkey, contact our team in London today.