What Is a Trademark?
A trademark may consist of a name, word, shape, letter, number, color, logo or similar sign that distinguishes the goods or services of one business from those of others.
Registering a trademark is an important step in protecting the rights of its owner in relation to the relevant goods and services.
At Marka Patents, we handle the steps needed to protect your trademark, from the initial assessment and selection of classes through filing and registration.
Why Register a Trademark?
A trademark represents a business’s identity, products, services and recognition among consumers. Protecting it in the right classes and with the right scope is therefore essential.
Searching for identical or similar earlier applications and registered trademarks before filing helps assess potential risks.
At Marka Patents, we recommend a similarity search before filing and assess the relevant classes, scope and potential registration risks.
Trademark Registration Process
To give an application a solid foundation, we first define the scope of protection, the goods and services covered and the relevant classes.
Trademark Search
We search for identical or similar trademarks before filing. This helps assess the risk of refusal or opposition.
Classification of Goods and Services
We identify the relevant goods and services and select the appropriate trademark classes under the Nice Classification.
Application to TÜRKPATENT
Once the required information is ready, we file the trademark application electronically with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT).
Formal Examination
TÜRKPATENT checks whether the application contains the required information and elements. If anything is missing, the applicant may be asked to remedy the deficiency.
Substantive Examination
The application is examined for absolute grounds for refusal under the applicable legislation. It may then be accepted or refused in whole or in part.
Publication in the Official Trademark Bulletin
An application that passes examination is published in the Official Trademark Bulletin. Third parties may oppose it within two months of publication.
Registration
If no opposition is filed, or any oppositions are resolved, and the required registration steps are completed, the trademark is entered in the register.
Appealing TÜRKPATENT Decisions
If a trademark application is refused in whole or in part, we assess the reasons for the decision and may file an appeal with TÜRKPATENT within the statutory period.
At Marka Patents, we review the grounds for refusal and, in line with our client’s instructions, prepare the appeal, legal arguments and supporting documents, then follow the proceedings.
Opposition to Publication and Response
Owners of earlier rights may oppose a trademark application published in the Official Trademark Bulletin within the statutory period.
If a third party opposes your application, we can assess the grounds for opposition and prepare a response and supporting evidence.
Re-examination and Evaluation Department
Where the requirements are met, decisions of the relevant TÜRKPATENT departments that are open to appeal may be challenged before the Re-examination and Evaluation Department.
A decision of the Board is TÜRKPATENT’s final decision. No further appeal can be made within the Office; judicial review may be sought where the legal requirements are met.
Court Proceedings
Decisions of the Re-examination and Evaluation Board may be challenged before the Ankara Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights Civil Court within two months of notification.
Trademark Registration and Post-Registration Services
Trademark protection does not end with registration. Changes concerning the trademark, renewals and ownership records must also be managed properly.
Completing renewal procedures on time to maintain trademark protection.
Recording the transfer of trademark rights to another individual or legal entity.
Recording and monitoring licenses granting the right to use a trademark.
Recording changes to the owner’s name, address and other details in the register.
Information and Documents Required for Trademark Registration
The information required depends on the scope of the application and the applicant’s circumstances. The following details are generally needed to prepare an application.
A representation of the trademark to be filed, such as a logo, emblem, word or other sign.
The trademark owner’s name or company name and contact details.
The trademark owner’s full address details.
For individual applicants, the required identity and applicant information.
For corporate applicants, the company name and business details.
A list of the goods and services for which the trademark will be used. This information is used to determine the appropriate trademark classes.
If the application is filed through a representative, the representative’s details and required authorization information.
Where applicable, details of any priority claim, letter of consent or other additional information and documents required for the application.
Depending on the classes covered, information on TÜRKPATENT application fees.
Once we receive the necessary details, Marka Patents professionally prepares the trademark classes, files the application and monitors the proceedings before TÜRKPATENT.
Contact Us to Apply →Trademark Renewal
A registered trademark is protected for ten years from the filing date. To maintain protection, it must be renewed at the end of that period.
If the renewal deadline is missed, the additional period and fees provided for by law may apply. Tracking renewal dates carefully is therefore essential.
We Track Your Trademark’s Protection Period
At Marka Patents, we help ensure that your registered trademarks are renewed on time.