Trademark Registration

What is trademark registration?

Trademark registration is the recording, in the register of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT) under Industrial Property Law No. 6769 (SMK), of the name, logo or other distinctive sign that sets a business's goods or services apart from those of others. Registration makes you the right holder of the sign and gives you a legal basis against others using an identical or confusingly similar sign in the same field.

At Anlar Grup, we do not see trademark registration as merely filling in an application form. A successful registration depends on choosing the right sign, applying in the right classes and following the process without missing any deadlines.

Why is trademark registration necessary?

An unregistered trademark may be recognized in practice for as long as it is used. However, if someone else registers the same name before you do, you may have to change your name or deal with a dispute once your business has grown. In trademark applications, the filing date determines priority, so applying early is important. The main benefits of registration are:

• Legal basis: In case of imitation or unauthorized use, you can take action on the strength of your registration certificate.
• Commercial value: A registered trademark can be assigned, licensed and shown as part of the value of your business.
• Protection on digital channels: In infringement reports on marketplaces and social platforms, the registration certificate is usually the first document requested.
• Trust: A registered trademark signals corporate seriousness to your customers and business partners.
• Foundation for growth: A registration in Türkiye can later serve as the basis for foreign applications under the Madrid Protocol.

What can be registered as a trademark?

For a sign to qualify as a trademark, it must meet two basic requirements: it must be able to distinguish goods or services from those of others, and it must be capable of being represented in the register clearly and precisely. Within this framework, the following can generally be trademarks:

• Words, names and slogans
• Logos and shapes
• Letters and numerals
• Color combinations
• Sounds
• The shape of a product or its packaging (provided that it is distinctive)

On what grounds is a trademark application refused?

The Office evaluates applications along two separate lines. Knowing the difference directly affects your filing strategy.

Because the Office does not examine relative grounds ex officio, your application may still face an opposition after publication even if it passes the first stage. For this reason, we recommend having a trademark search and clearance carried out before filing. For details on the grounds for refusal, you can read our article on reasons for trademark application refusal.

How does the trademark registration process work?

1. Preliminary search: Identical or similar signs are searched for and the level of risk is assessed.
2. Determining classes and scope: The Nice Classification consists of 45 classes (1–34 goods, 35–45 services). You can use our trademark class guide to find the classes that match the goods and services you want to protect.
3. Filing: The application file is prepared and filed electronically; the filing date is the basis for the ranking of later rights.
4. Examination by the Office: Formal deficiencies and absolute grounds for refusal are examined. If a deficiency notice or refusal notification arrives, a response is submitted within the period set by the legislation.
5. Publication and opposition period: An application found acceptable is published in the bulletin. For 2 months from publication, third parties may file an opposition.
6. Registration: If there is no opposition, or the opposition has been concluded, the required fee is paid and the registration certificate is issued.

How long does trademark registration take?

For applications that proceed without opposition, the process usually takes from a few months up to a year. The time is extended if there is a deficiency notice, a refusal decision or a third-party opposition. We do not promise an exact number of days; however, we follow every stage and respond to correspondence within the periods set by the legislation.

How long does trademark protection last?

The protection period is 10 years from the filing date and can be extended indefinitely for further 10-year periods through a renewal application filed before the period expires. If the trademark is not put to genuine use for 5 years after registration, there is a risk of cancellation; therefore, you need to actually use your registered trademark. If you are considering expanding abroad, plan for international trademark registration early on as well.

How do you choose a registrable and strong trademark?

The trademark name directly affects the likelihood of registration and the breadth of the protection it will provide in the future. Before deciding, consider the following points:

• Distinctiveness: Coined or suggestive names are generally protected more strongly than words that directly describe the product.
• Risk of similarity: Avoid coming close, in sound, spelling or meaning, to names used in the same sector.
• Meaning check: Check whether the name has a negative or misleading meaning in foreign languages.
• Digital compatibility: Check whether the domain name and social media username are available.
• Future plans: If you are thinking of expanding into new product and service groups, take this into account when selecting classes.

Who is trademark registration important for?

For entrepreneurs, e-commerce sellers, manufacturers, tradespeople and service businesses, for those planning to build a dealership or franchise network, and for companies considering raising investment, a registered trademark is both a protected asset and an indicator of reliability. Applying before you start selling reduces the disputes you may encounter once your name becomes known.

The most common mistakes in trademark registration

• Applying without a search: If a similar trademark exists, the application may face an opposition, and fees and time are lost.
• Choosing a descriptive or generic name: Words that directly describe the product being sold are generally not considered distinctive.
• Selecting classes too narrowly: Goods and services not included in the application are not protected; adding new items to the list later may not be possible, and a new application may be required.
• Combining the name and logo in a single application: A composite sign may narrow the protection; it is usually sounder to assess the word and the figurative element separately.
• Not using the trademark after registration: The 5-year non-use period lays the ground for a cancellation request.

Note: The ® symbol may only be used for registered trademarks. Using this symbol on a trademark whose application is still pending may be misleading.

How to file a trademark application: EPATS and the application form

Trademark applications are filed online through the electronic filing system of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT), EPATS, and you log in to the system with your e-Devlet password. Under the law, the application file consists of the form containing the applicant's identity details, the trademark representation, the list of goods and services to be protected, and information showing that the application fee has been paid. Registration of only one trademark can be requested with each application. If the trademark representation contains a letter outside the Latin alphabet, its Latin-alphabet equivalent must also be stated.

Goods and services are grouped according to the Nice Classification, and the Office may make the necessary corrections to the class numbers. Two products being in the same class does not create a presumption that they are similar, and their being in different classes does not create a presumption that they are dissimilar. For this reason, not only the class number but also the wording in the list must be written carefully.

Official timeline and deadlines after filing

The deadlines below are compiled from Industrial Property Law No. 6769 (SMK). Because deadlines can lead to a loss of rights, notifications from the Office should be followed closely.

2026 official fees (TÜRKPATENT tariff)

The amounts below were taken from the 2026 table on TÜRKPATENT's "Trademark Transaction Fees" page (checked on November 14, 2026). The amounts are official fees paid to the Office; the service fee is not included.

Example calculation: The total of the application and registration fees is 9.830 TL for a single-class trademark, 12.650 TL for two classes, and 15.800 TL for three classes. The tariff also contains separate lines for certain special cases; we can verify the amount for your own situation from the official table or together in a preliminary consultation. Because the table in effect on the payment date applies, fees may change; for details, see our 2026 fee tariff guide.

Non-traditional trademark types

Sound, three-dimensional shape, color, and motion signs can also be registered as trademarks. In these applications, the type must be clearly stated on the application form, and a representation appropriate to the type of sign must be submitted. For the requirements, you can take a look at our article on non-traditional trademarks.

What does Anlar Grup do for trademark registration?

• Free preliminary assessment and needs analysis
• Similarity search and risk note
• Recommendation of classes and a list of goods and services
• Preparation and filing of the application file
• Monitoring of Office correspondence and deadlines
• Monitoring of publication, opposition and post-registration renewal

We can work with you in person in Konya and Ankara, or remotely if you prefer. No office can guarantee registration; we help you make your decision by making the risk visible from the outset. Get a quote right away for your trademark.