Insights
Recent Changes Regarding the Determination of Companies Subject to Independent Auditing
The Decision Amending the Decision on Determination of Companies Subject to Independent Auditing ("Amendment Decision") was published in the Official Gazette dated March 17, 2026. With the Amendment Decision, which entered into force as of its publication date to be applied to accounting periods starting on or after 1 January 2026, companies that are not included in the lists (I) and (II) annexed to the Decision on the Determination of Companies Subject to Independent Audit… »
A New Era in the Pricing of Human Medicinal Products: Euro Exchange Rate Increased to 65% of the Previous Year’s Average, Pricing Incentive Introduced for the First Equivalent/Generic Product
Presidential Decision No. 11031 dated 12 March 2026 (“New Pricing Decision”) has introduced significant changes to the pricing system for human medicinal products that was originally established by Decision No. 2017/9901 and subsequently updated several times. Increasing the adjustment rate used in Euro/TL calculations from 60% to 65%, allowing higher pricing for the first equivalent or generic products to encourage their faster entry into the market, and the inclusion for… »
Court of Cassation Confirms Binding Effect of Agreements Between Parties in Trademark Invalidation Claims
The plaintiff consented to the defendant’s trademark under an agreement but later sought invalidation of the earlier-filed trademark. The Court of Cassation held that the agreement covered the earlier trademark based on the parties’ actual and implied intentions. Filing an invalidation action despite prior consent was found to be contrary to the principle of good faith. In Decision No. 2025/2697 E, 2025/6214 K of 13 October 2025, the Court of Cassation (CoC) upheld the… »
Insurance Litigation 2026 in Turkey
Legal and procedural framework Legal framework What legal framework applies to insurance coverage disputes, including legislation or judicial precedents? 08 December 2025Insurance coverage disputes in Türkiye are primarily governed by the Turkish Commercial Code (Law No. 6102) (TCC) (articles 1401to1520) and the Insurance Act (Law No. 5684), which regulate insurance contracts, coverage limits, exclusions, duties of disclosure and the authority of the Insurance Arbitration… »
The NIVEA Blue Effect: Can Increased Distinctiveness Create Likelihood of Confusion Based on Common Colours?
Higher Board of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office upheld Beiersdorf’s opposition against a later trademark sharing NIVEA's distinctive blue-and-white composition The Board highlighted the later mark could cause a likelihood of confusion with NIVEA, give the earlier’s strong distinctiveness and recognisability from its blue and white colour scheme This precedent confirms colour and composition similarities can be decisive in trademark disputes when earlier marks have… »
Termination of Employment Contract Due to an Employee’s Frequent Medical Reports
The frequent and prolonged medical leave taken by an employee often adversely affects the normal functioning of the workplace and renders the continuation of the employment relationship challenging. Such persistent absenteeism may lead the employer to terminate the employment contract on the grounds of either just cause or a valid reason. Pursuant to Article 18 of the Labor Act No. 4857, the employment contract of an employee benefiting from job security provisions may be… »
A New Decision of The Constitutional Court on The Turkish Competition Board’s on-site Inspections
One of the most debated issues in Turkish competition law in 2023 was the decision of the Constitutional Court dated 23 March 2023 (Application No. 2019/40991), in which the Court held that the on-site inspection conducted at the premises of Ford Otomotiv Sanayi A.Ş. violated the constitutional right to the immunity of residence due to its unlawfulness. Following that decision, significant uncertainty arose as to whether the legislature would amend the relevant statutory… »
New Real-World Data and Pharmacoeconomic Studies for NPP Products
On 19 January 2026, the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency announced a new initiative focusing on real-world data and pharmacoeconomic analyses for medicines supplied from abroad within the scope of named patient programs. The initiative applies to medicines obtained under the regulation governing the supply of medicines from outside Türkiye, which are typically used in situations where no authorized or available alternative exists in the domestic market and access… »
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… »
News and Events
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…
Gün + Partners Top Ranked by IP STARS 2024
We are thrilled to announce that Gün + Partners has been top-ranked by Managing IP’s IP STARS 2024! 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 2024. A special congratulations to Hande Hançar for being recognized among the Top 250 Women in IP in the 2024 edition. Our patent team has been recognized as…
Meet us at the 2025 AIPPI World Congress in Yokohama
Gün + Partners' AIPPI team is excited to attend the AIPPI World Congress in Yokohama this year. The AIPPI World Congress brings together professionals, experts, and stakeholders from around the world in the field of intellectual property (IP) to network, exchange knowledge, and foster business development. Representing Gün + Partners at the conference will be Aysel Korkmaz Yatkın (Partner in patents and utility models practice) and Zeynep Seda Alhas (Partner in trademarks…
We Are the Firm of the Year Türkiye – LMG Life Sciences Awards EMEA 2025
Congratulations to our Life Sciences team on being named "Türkiye Firm of the Year" at the LMG Life Sciences Awards 2025 EMEA! This prestigious award reflects the team's commitment to excellence and innovation in life sciences law. The LMG Life Sciences Awards honor the region’s leading practitioners and firms for their standout work over the past year—recognizing the most impactful cases, deals, and legal strategies across the industry. We're proud to see our team’s…