Insights
Regulatory and Judicial Trends Shaping Access to NPP Products
NPPs operate as special import regimes that enable access to medicines that are either not authorised in Türkiye or are temporarily unavailable on the domestic market, upon the request of a treating physician. Fundamentally designed to address urgent or exceptional patient needs, the NPP framework has gradually evolved into a more structured and regulated supply mechanism. A significant step in this evolution was the entry into force of the Regulation on the Importation of… »
Market Access - Alternative Reimbursement Models
Alternative reimbursement models in Türkiye provide pathways for innovative medicines to gain coverage outside standard pricing rules, allowing the Social Security Institution (“SSI”) to negotiate terms such as discounts, budget caps, or other arrangements. These models, formalised under the 2016 Regulation on Alternative Reimbursement and updated in 2023, aim to improve patient access while managing healthcare expenditures. The Regulation on Alternative Reimbursement… »
GSK Succeeds in Bad Faith Case in Türkiye
This article examines a lawsuit concerning the use of a trademark, after it was registered in Türkiye by a third party, with the aim of threatening infringement proceedings against the company that is the rightful owner of the mark and evaluates how the courts protect the genuine rights holder against bad faith registration. Background The dispute concerned the bad faith registration of a trademark that had previously been registered in Türkiye in the name of Stiefel… »
Trademark Applications Made in Bad Faith and the Assessment of Bad Faith in EU Law under the CP13 Common Practice
In European Union (“EU”) legislation relating to trademark law, the concept of bad faith in trademark applications is not explicitly defined, nor are its boundaries clearly established. Although EU case-law provides significant guidance on the concept, it has been observed that there are different interpretations in practice and there are challenges in regard to achieving uniformity, making it difficult to foresee the manner in which assessment of claims of bad faith are… »
Administrative Revocation of Trademarks is Now Fully in Effect!
In accordance with Article 26 of the Industrial Property Code (“IP Code”) no. 6769, interested persons may request the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (“the Office”) to revoke a trademark. The authority to revoke the trademarks had belonged to the IP Courts. However, with the entry into force of the IP Code on January 10, 2017, this authority has been granted to the Office. In order to provide a transition period, the entry into force of Article 26 had been postponed for… »
Intellectual Property Practice in Türkiye: Impressions for 2025
The year 2025 did not mark a fundamental transformation in the protection of intellectual property rights in Türkiye; however, it may be described as a period during which practice became more predictable in certain areas. It would be fair to say that judges appointed in recent years have gradually become more adapted to the dynamics of intellectual property law, and this has contributed to a more predictable approach in terms of the reasoning of decisions and the management… »
Energy Drink vs. Motor Oil: The Court of Cassation’s Holistic Analysis
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… »
Is Settlement With the Administration Possible?
As is known, pursuant to Article 2/1(a) of the Administrative Procedure Law No. 2577, it is possible for persons whose interests have been violated to file an action for annulment against administrative acts on the grounds that such acts are unlawful in terms of authority, form, cause, subject matter, or purpose. In such a relevant case the claimant alleges that the administrative act established by the defendant administration is contrary to the law and seeks its annulment.… »
3D Marks at the Intersection of Intellectual Property and Competition Law
With its decision dated 01.08.2024 and numbered 24-32/758-319, the Turkish Competition Authority (“TCA”) rendered a landmark ruling that will be debated in the literature for a long time to come with regard to the delicate balance between IP law and competition law. The TCA concluded that the relevant economic entity, by using three-dimensional (“3D”) marks owned by company under investigation (“The Right Owner”) had abused its dominant position, by excluding its competitors… »
Remarkable Turkish Appeal Decision: Cilpara v Chip-Para
Mutlu Yıldırım Köse and İrem Girenes Yücesoy of Gün + Partners analyse the different approaches to similarity assessments conducted by the court of first instance in the proceedings and the appeal One of the decisions recently rendered in a Turkish appeal is particularly noteworthy for its assessment of the likelihood of confusion and the unexpected outcome in its final part. in Turkey (officially Türkiye), and the mark relied upon as the basis of the action is… »
From Goal Celebrations to Global Brands: Intellectual Property at the Intersection of Sports and Popular Culture
This year’s World Intellectual Property Day theme, “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate!”, highlights how intellectual property rights shape not only technological innovation in sports, but also branding/fan engagement, and the growing economic value of athletes as creators and entrepreneurs. Within this evolving ecosystem, the intersection between sports and popular culture raises important legal questions regarding the protection and use of creative elements. One of the… »
New Restrictions on Child-Oriented Design in Food Products
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry updated the Guideline on the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Labelling and Consumer Information on 13 March 2026. The update introduces new explanations regarding labelling, presentation and advertising practices, while adopting a notably protective approach, particularly with respect to products aimed at children. With the introduction of Article 2.28 into the Guideline, it has been prohibited to place foods on the market with… »
News and Events
Begüm Yavuzdoğan Okumuş and Yalçın Umut Talay Will Be Attending IAPP Europe Data Protection Congress 2025
We are pleased to announce our participation at the IAPP Europe Data Protection Congress 2025, which will be held in Brussels on 19-20 November 2025 and extend an invitation for a potential meeting during the event. Representing our TMT and Data Protection & Privacy practices, Begüm Yavuzdoğan Okumuş, partner, and Yalçın Umut Talay, managing associate, will be attending the conference. If you are interested in exploring collaboration opportunities or simply reconnecting…
Mehmet Gün and Selin Sinem Erciyas Will Speak in the “Frontier Technologies, Innovation, and Intellectual Property” Conference in Ankara
We are pleased to announce that our Senior Partner Mehmet Gün and Partner Selin Sinem Erciyas will be speaking in the Conference on “Frontier Technologies, Innovation, and Intellectual Property,” held at the METU Culture and Convention Center in Ankara, Türkiye, on November 3–4, 2025. Mehmet Gün will moderate the session “The Future of Intellectual and Industrial Property: The Post-Patent World,” where Selin Sinem Erciyas will join as a speaker. This international gathering…
Beril Yayla Sapan Delivered a Training Session at TEİD Academy
Our Partner and TEID Board Member, Beril Yayla Sapan, delivered a training session titled “Mobbing, Labor Law Practices, and Ethics” as part of the 18th Term of TEID Academy’s “Corporate Ethics and Compliance Management” Program.
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…