Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Turkish Trademark Law: Challenges and Opportunities by Aslı Çetin

In the Women’s IP World Annual 2025, Aslı Çetin, Partner at ORBIS IP & LAW, Türkiye, examines how Turkish trademark law is evolving to meet the challenges of digitalisation, counterfeiting, and global market pressures. Her article highlights both the risks and opportunities businesses face, while outlining practical strategies for navigating change.

Türkiye as a Key IP Hub

Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Türkiye is becoming a vital hub for IP protection. Businesses are increasingly recognising trademarks as strategic assets, driving demand for professional legal services. With digitalisation accelerating, companies must adapt their trademark strategies to prevent infringement and safeguard reputation in a competitive marketplace.

Bad-Faith Applications and Trademark Squatting

One of the major challenges in Türkiye is bad-faith applications where opportunistic parties register trademarks to exploit brand owners. Aslı explains how stronger protections, combined with proactive monitoring and legal action, are crucial to counter these practices and foster trust in the IP system. Counterfeit Goods and Enforcement

Counterfeit products continue to pose significant risks, particularly in fashion, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. Aslı stresses the importance of evidence gathering, market monitoring, and swift enforcement, highlighting how collaboration between rights holders, lawyers, and authorities is essential to curbing illicit trade. Strategic Approaches to Opposition and Invalidation Trademark disputes often involve lengthy procedures and evidentiary hurdles. Aslı advocates for strategic planning, evaluating prior rights, anticipating counterclaims, and building strong arguments before initiating opposition or invalidation actions to ensure effective and sustainable outcomes. New Administrative Cancellation Procedure Since January 2024, TURKPATENT now oversees administrative cancellations of registered trademarks, simplifying the process and reducing reliance on courts. While this reform promises efficiency, uncertainties remain, and further regulations are expected. Aslı and her team guide clients through these complexities to maintain clarity and protection. Negotiation and Letters of Consent Beyond litigation, negotiation plays an increasing role in resolving disputes. Letters of consent and coexistence agreements can help avoid lengthy court battles while protecting brands. Aslı notes that Turkish clients are increasingly receptive to practical, out-of-court settlements.

Celebrating Women’s Leadership in IP

Women are playing a growing role in Türkiye’s IP sector, from attorneys to corporate IP leaders. Aslı highlights their contributions to strengthening the legal framework and ensuring innovation is protected, while ORBIS continues to support diversity and inclusive leadership.

Conclusion

Aslı Çetin’s article underscores that staying ahead in trademark protection requires more than legal compliance; it demands a proactive strategy, collaboration, and adaptability. ORBIS IP & LAW remains committed to providing businesses with innovative, forward-thinking solutions that protect and elevate intellectual property in a dynamic marketplace.

Read the full article in Women’s IP World Annual 2025, essential reading for brand owners, attorneys, and IP professionals navigating Türkiye’s evolving trademark landscape and seeking strategies for long-term brand resilience.

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