How to Conduct a Trademark Search: The TÜRKPATENT Query Step by Step

Why search before filing?

After you file a trademark application, the Office examines it for absolute grounds for refusal (such as lack of distinctiveness); in addition, an earlier trademark that is identical or so similar that it cannot be distinguished may also be a ground for refusal. Moreover, after publication, earlier right holders may file an opposition based on the likelihood of confusion. A search carried out before filing is the cheapest way to see these risks early: before paying the application fee, you find out whether there is a conflicting record.

The TÜRKPATENT Trademark Search screen

In the "Run a Search" section of the TÜRKPATENT website, there are separate tabs for Trademark, Patent and Design. On the Trademark tab, you can search by the following criteria:

• Trademark name: At least three characters are entered. For trademarks of one or two letters, the "equals" option must be used. The options are: contains, starts with, equals.
• Applicant: With the "starts with" or "equals" option.
• Trademark announcement and registration publication bulletin number.
• Nice classes: Selected from goods (01–34) and services (35–45). If no selection is made, the search covers all classes.
• Trademark type: All trademark types or a specific type can be selected.

An effective search strategy

1. Start with the full name. First search for your own name with "equals": is there an identical trademark?
2. Broaden the root word. With "contains", try the root of the name and possible spelling variations (letter substitution, spacing, added suffixes).
3. Check pronunciation. Also search for names that are spelled differently but sound close (for example, consonant substitutions); the likelihood of confusion depends not only on spelling but also on pronunciation and meaning.
4. Use classes in two stages. First search across all classes to see who uses the name and for what; then narrow down to your own classes and nearby classes.
5. Search by owner. Searching competitor company names and applicants is a quick way to see overlaps in your sector.
6. Note the results. Record the status (application, registered, refused, expired) and the classes of the records you find.

Limits of the official query

The Trademark Search screen lists records; it does not decide whether a trademark will be considered "similar" to yours. The likelihood of confusion is determined by assessing together the visual, aural and conceptual similarity of the signs and the similarity of the goods or services, and even trademarks that are not in the same class can have consequences. In addition, new applications that have not yet been published may appear in the query with a delay. For this reason, the official query is not a substitute for a legal assessment of the results; having the results reviewed together with a specialist reduces the risk.

Specially protected signs: three groups in the search

On the Trademark Search screen, specially protected trademarks can also be listed by selecting a "protection type". TÜRKPATENT summarizes them under three main headings:

• Well-known trademarks: Trademarks with well-known status in Türkiye that are protected under Art. 6bis of the Paris Convention. Being well-known is a fact that varies in each specific case; the Office describes this concept as the association that customers make reflexively, regardless of geographic border, culture or age.
• WIPO protection: Signs notified to the Office through WIPO that serve a guarantee and control function, and signs belonging to official bodies and organizations (for example, the OECD, IMF and WTO designations). The basis is Art. 6ter of the Paris Convention.
• Turkish protection: Signs that need to be protected in the public interest, such as signs related to the sovereignty of the state, official control and guarantee signs, designations of public legal entities that are not of an economic nature, signs of professional organizations with the status of public institutions and of associations working in the public interest, and political party emblems.

Choosing a name similar to these signs may lead to the refusal of your application; also check these groups during the search.

After the search: what should you do?

• If there is no conflict: Review your class selection and proceed to the application; for the steps, see our trademark registration process guide.
• If there is a similar record: Changing your trademark name, strengthening the main distinctive element or narrowing your class list are among the options. If the earlier trademark has not been used for a long time, the cancellation route requires a separate assessment.
• If you see an application in the Bulletin: You can file an opposition against an application that affects your rights within two months from its publication date; details are in our opposition guide.

If you would like us to carry out the search for you, see our trademark search and query service or request a quote.

Sources and date of verification

• TÜRKPATENT — Run a Search (Trademark Search)
• TÜRKPATENT — Information on Specially Protected Trademarks
• TÜRKPATENT — Trademark (Nice) Classification
• Industrial Property Law No. 6769 (Legislation Information System)

The information was compiled on November 14, 2026; the screen options may be changed by the Office.