When your trademark, patent or design is challenged, copied or blocked by an earlier right, speed matters. Many deadlines in Turkish IP law are short and cannot be extended. Our co-founder Serkan Öztürk, a lawyer and mediator, works with the specialists who filed your rights to defend and enforce them.
Oppositions and appeals before TÜRKPATENT
Most disputes start at the office, before anyone goes to court.
- Trademark oppositions: within two months of publication of the application in the Official Trademark Bulletin
- Design oppositions: within three months of publication of the registration
- Patent oppositions: within six months of publication of the grant
- Appeals: decisions of TÜRKPATENT can be appealed to its Re-examination and Evaluation Board, and the Board's decisions can then be challenged before the courts
- Revocation for non-use: requests to TÜRKPATENT to revoke trademarks not used for five years
Enforcing your rights
- Cease-and-desist letters, including formal notices served through a notary
- Infringement actions before the specialised intellectual and industrial property courts, for an injunction, damages and destruction of infringing goods
- Invalidity actions against registrations that conflict with your earlier rights
- Criminal complaints in trademark counterfeiting cases
- Customs measures to stop counterfeit goods at the border
- Defence when you receive a warning letter or are sued yourself
Mediation and settlement
Not every dispute needs a court case. Coexistence agreements, licences and negotiated settlements are often faster and cheaper. In commercial disputes over money, mediation is frequently a mandatory first step before a lawsuit can be filed. As a mediator, Serkan Öztürk knows both sides of the table.
How we work on a dispute
- You send us the notice, the conflicting mark or product, and any evidence you have.
- We check the deadlines first, then assess the strength of both sides' rights.
- We recommend a strategy: opposition, letter, negotiation, mediation or court action, with an estimate of costs.
- We act, and keep you informed in English at every step.
Frequently asked questions
Someone has applied for a trademark similar to mine. What can I do?
If the application has been published, you can file an opposition within two months of publication. If it is already registered, an invalidity action or, if it is not used, a revocation request may be possible.
I received a cease-and-desist letter. Should I stop using my brand?
Not necessarily. Send us the letter before you reply. We will check the other side's rights and your own position, and advise you on the response.
Which courts hear IP cases in Turkey?
Specialised intellectual and industrial property courts hear these cases in the major cities. Elsewhere, designated civil courts handle them.
Can you act for foreign right holders?
Yes. We regularly report to foreign companies and their IP counsel in English.
The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice. Official fees, deadlines and procedures may change; please contact us for advice on your specific case.