Insights
Can the Limits of the Lawful Exercise of Patent Rights Be Narrowed by Allegations of Unfair Competition?
An Assessment in Light of a Recent Court of Cassation Decision Undoubtedly, the initiation of patent infringement actions by patent holders for the purpose of protecting their exclusive rights, as well as the notification of third parties outside the proceedings who are suspected of involvement in infringing activities, fall within the scope of the rights conferred by patent law. Nevertheless, particularly in disputes between originator and generic pharmaceutical companies… »
Significant Amendments to the Communiqué on Mergers and Acquisitions
With the Communiqué (Communiqué No: 2026/2) (“Update”), published by the Turkish Competition Authority (“Authority”) in the Official Gazette dated 11 February 2026 and numbered 33165, which foresees amendments to the Communiqué Concerning Mergers and Acquisitions Requiring the Approval of the Competition Board (Communiqué No: 2010/4), significant changes have been introduced for the purpose of determining the transactions subject to the approval of the Competition Board. In… »
Combating Counterfeit and Smuggled Drugs
Foreign pharmaceutical trademarks, in principle, are registered in the name of the companies in the countries where they are established, and trademark protection procedures are managed by those companies. Although affiliates in Türkiye are not a party to trademark protection proceedings, since they become the marketing authorization holders of the drug, they are considered the relevant addressee of the Ministry of Health (“MoH”) in all transactions related to the… »
Changes to Minimum Wage, Severance Payments and Administrative Fines in 2026
Each year begins with an adjustment of the minimum wage, severance pay, and administrative fines set out under the Labour Act. This article provides an overview of the 2026 changes, which came into effect on 1 January 2026. Minimum wage In 2025 the monthly minimum wage rate was 26,005.50 Turkish liras (gross). As of 1 January 2026, this has increased to 33,030.00 Turkish liras (gross). The new rate applies from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026. The minimum wage applies to… »
Key Trends in Advertisement Board Decisions in 2025
As a result of the effective supervision carried out by the Advertisement Board (“Board”) in 2025, a significant number of guiding decisions were rendered in the field of commercial advertising and unfair commercial practices. The substantial increase in administrative fines that the Board may impose, introduced by the amendments to the Law on the Protection of Consumers dated 30 October 2024, has markedly strengthened the effectiveness and deterrent impact of the Board’s… »
Public Policy Review in Foreign Court Judgments and Arbitral Awards: Emerging Trends in 2025 Case Law
One of the most frequently raised objections in proceedings for the recognition and enforcement of foreign court and arbitral awards, as well as in actions for the setting aside of foreign arbitral awards, is the allegation that the decision is contrary to public policy. Owing to its broad and interpretative nature, the concept of public policy has become a standard line of defence invoked in almost every recognition, enforcement, or annulment proceeding. Until the Court of… »
The Euro Value Applied to Pharmaceutical Prices Has Been Increased by 16.9%
On 19 December 2025, Presidential Decision No. 10702 amending the Decision on the Pricing of Medicinal Products for Human Use (“Decision”), which was originally put into force by the Council of Ministers’ Decision dated 6 February 2017 and numbered 2017/9901, was published in the Official Gazette. With this amendment, changes have been introduced regarding (i) profit margins applied to warehouse and pharmacy sales prices and (ii) the Euro exchange rate used in the pricing of… »
Turkish Court of Cassation Invalidates Motor Oil Trademark Application in Monster Energy Drink Dispute
In a recent decision of the Turkish Court of Cassation (Merit No. 2024/6138, Decision No. 2025/3800), the Court conducted a holistic comparison between a globally renowned energy drink brand and a motor oil brand, examining all aspects, from the similarity of the goods to the colors and figurative elements used in the disputed trademarks. Background The dispute involved, on the one side, the plaintiff’s well-known marks in the energy drinks sector – the word mark “MONSTER… »
Significant Developments in the Implementation of the Turkish Commercial Code in 2026
Existing Facilitations for Capital Loss and Over-Indebtedness Calculations are Extended until 2026 Article 376 of the Turkish Commercial Code numbered 6102 (the “TCC”) regulates the measures to be taken and the precautions to be implemented by the board of directors of the company, and the procedures to be followed in cases where the company suffers capital loss or becomes over-indebted, in order to ensure the protection of the financial structure of the company and to secure… »
New Regulation on Plant Protection Products in Türkiye: Digital Governance and Traceability Model
Plant protection products are defined in legislation in a broad and highly technical manner. They refer to preparations offered to users in various forms which are used to protect plants and plant products against harmful organisms or to prevent the effects of such organisms, excluding products intended solely for plant nutrition. These products may also affect plant growth, control or prevent undesirable developments in plants or plant parts, or eliminate unwanted plants.… »
Regulatory Landscape of Data Protection and Artificial Intelligence in Türkiye
1- Major Legal Developments For industry stakeholders, most of the year was spent on implementing the developments from last year into their practice, as the most recent major legal developments came around at the end of 2024. The Personal Data Protection Law (the “Law”) is the main regulatory framework for data privacy in Türkiye. It was ratified in 2016, and the Personal Data Protection Authority (the “DPA”) was established by the Law. In 2024, the Law had some major… »
Polo Player v Jockey: Analysing The Turkish Trademark Department’s Device Marks Decision
The Trademarks Department of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (the Trademarks Department) has recently highlighted, in a dispute where the similarity of device marks and the well-known status argument were primary issues, that the evidence submitted in response to a proof-of-use request proved to be critically important to the success prospects of the opposition file. Opposition grounds and device mark differences The device trademark application shown below… »
News and Events
Direnç Bada, Atahan Erkul and Atacan Yılmaz Delivered a Training at the Customs General Directorate Event in Mersin
We had the privilege of participating in the Customs General Directorate event in Mersin, representing more than two dozen clients with the contributions of our Managing Associate Direnç Bada, Senior Associate Atahan Erkul, and Associate Atacan Yılmaz. Following the opening remarks by the Directorate, our Managing Associate Direnc Bada delivered the opening speech on behalf of all right holders, underlining the importance of intellectual property protection — not just for…
We Have Been Selected as the “Trademark Firm of the Year” in Turkey by Global IP Awards 2022
We are delighted to have been named the winner of the Trademark Firm of the Year for Turkey in the Global IP Awards 2022, that recognise the outstanding achievements of law and attorney firms in litigation, prosecution and transactional work during 2021/2022.
Baran Güney, Dilan Sıla Kayalıca and Zeynep Çağla Üstün, are Listed as Rising Star by Euromoney's MIP IP STARS 2025
We are delighted to announce that Baran Güney, Dilan Sıla Kayalıca and Zeynep Çağla Üstün, managing associates in our intellectual property practice, have been recognized as Rising Stars in this year’s IP STARS ranking by Managing IP. Managing IP’s Rising Stars list, recognizes some of the best up-and-coming intellectual property practitioners in private practice who have contributed to the success of their firms and clients.
Baran Güney, Dilan Sıla Kayalıca and Zeynep Çağla Üstün, are Listed as Rising Star by Euromoney's MIP IP STARS 2024
We are delighted to announce that Baran Güney, Dilan Sıla Kayalıca and Zeynep Çağla Üstün, managing associates in our intellectual property practice, have been recognized as Rising Stars in this year’s IP STARS ranking by Managing IP. Managing IP’s Rising Stars list, recognizes some of the best up-and-coming intellectual property practitioners in private practice who have contributed to the success of their firms and clients.
Uğur Aktekin Will Speak at the AIDV Conference 2025 in Verona
We are pleased to announce Uğur Aktekin will be speaking in Verona at the 40th AIDV (IWLA – International Wine Law Association) Conference about Advertising & Marketing of Alcoholic Beverages on October 17, 2025. The International AIDV-IWLA Conference 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the Association Internationale des Juristes du Droit de la Vigne et du Vin (AIDV). The event will bring together legal and industry experts from around the world to discuss key topics…
We are Attending the 2025 Trademark Administrators and Practitioners (TMAP) Meeting in Berlin
Gün + Partners is pleased to be attending the 2025 INTA Trademark Administrators and Practitioners (TMAP) Meeting in Berlin. Our firm will be represented by Canan Tınaz from our trademarks and designs practice. This year’s Meeting the largest European TMAP to date will bring together trademark professionals from across the globe. The program will address the latest developments in trademark law, brand protection, leadership, AI, European regulations, and more, while also…
Mutlu Yıldırım Köse and İrem Girenes Yücesoy Will Attend the MARQUES 39th Annual Conference in The Hague
We are excited to announce our participation in the 2025 MARQUES Annual Conference in The Hague and warmly invite you to meet with us during the event. Mutlu Yıldırım Köse and İrem Girenes Yücesoy will be representing Gün + Partners at the conference. This year's MARQUES Annual Conference sessions will focus on brand changes in an international context. Sessions will cover a wide range of topics including: the impact of external factors on IP work; brands in international…
Uğur Aktekin Will Speak at the 2025 Policy Dialogue: Strengthening Brands in Uzbekistan and Beyond
Uğur Aktekin will speak on “Recognizing and Promoting Well-Known Marks: Global Insights from INTA’s Famous and Well-Known Marks Committee” during 2025 Policy Dialogue: Strengthening Brands in Uzbekistan and Beyond event. This event is about practical strategies to combat counterfeit products in Uzbekistan and effective approaches to recognizing and promoting well-known marks in the region, bringing together brand owners, IP attorneys, and rights holders from across…
We are Attending the IBA Annual Conference 2025 in Toronto
We are excited to announce our participation in the International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference 2025 in Toronto and warmly invite you to meet with us during the event. Representing Gün + Partners at the conference will be Görkem Bilgin, Özge Atılgan Karakulak, Advisory Board Member of the IP and Entertainment Law Committee. As an independent law firm recognized internationally among the top-tier legal services providers, we pride ourselves on our strong global…
We Have Been Recognized in the WTR Global Leaders 2025
We are proud to announce that Mehmet Gün, Barış Kalaycı, Hande Hançar, Uğur Aktekin and Pınar Arıkan have been recognized in the WTR Global Leaders 2025. WTR Global Leaders evaluates law firms and corporate trademark experts according to their expertise and experience in relation to creating, protecting, managing and enforcing essential brand rights, and also their ability to innovate, inspire and go above and beyond to deliver for their clients.
Mehmet Gün Listed in IAM Strategy 300 2025
We’re proud to share that Mehmet Gün has been recognized in the IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists 2025. This prestigious list highlights individuals who are shaping the future of IP through innovative and high-impact portfolio strategies. The IAM Strategy 300 identifies global leaders who excel at developing and implementing approaches that unlock the full value of intellectual property.
Gün + Partners Top Ranked by IP STARS 2025
We are thrilled to announce that Gün + Partners has been top-ranked by Managing IP’s IP STARS 2025! Our team has been recognized as a top-tier practice for trade mark disputes, trade mark prosecution, and copyright & related rights. Four of our practitioners have been listed among the trade mark stars by IP STARS 2025. A special congratulations to Hande Hançar for being recognized among the Top 250 Women in IP in the 2025 edition. Our patent team has been recognized as…