Insights
Assessing the Merits of DRS Provider Decisions on Domain Names in Türkiye
As of September 14, 2022, disputes concerning domain names with the ccTLD for Türkiye – “.tr” – are resolved under the TRABİS (“TR Domain Name Information System”) framework by accredited Dispute Resolution Service Providers (“DRS Provider”). This new system aims to resolve domain name ownership and use disputes more effectively. A notable recent development in this new system and process emerged when a DRS Provider’s decision was brought before the courts. Alternative… »
When Overall Perception Speaks Louder Than Words: Conceptual Similarity
In the cosmetics sector, logos play a crucial role considering that consumers pay close attention to brand image, but they act quickly when buying products. Visual appearance often shapes purchasing decisions more than the verbal elements of a trademark. Decisions of Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (“the Office”) accepting the similarity between the trademarks discussed below provide a compelling case study of how overall perception and conceptual similarity between the… »
Turkish Court of Cassation Underlines Key Factors in Establishing Trademark Bad Faith
In a decision dated March 18 2025 (No. 2024/3844 E. (Merits), 2025/1879 K), the 11th Civil Chamber of the Turkish Court of Cassation upheld a Regional Court of Appeal finding that a trademark application had been filed in bad faith – reversing a ruling that dismissed the claim. Background to the case and the first-instance ruling On April 11 2019, an application was filed for the registration of the trademark ‘Stayer+’ in classes 7 and 35 of the Nice Classification. The… »
Turkish Patent and Trademark Office’s 2024 Revisions: Updates to the Trademark Classification System
At the end of 2024, Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (“the Office”) made a significant move by publishing a revised communiqué on the classification of goods and services for trade mark registration applications. The changes, which came into effect following their publication in the Official Gazette on 20 December 2024, align the Turkish classification system with the latest updates made to the Nice Classification. These revisions aim to make the trade mark application… »
Similarity Assessment in Trademark Applications Containing Low Distinctive Elements in the Light of the Court of Cassation Decisions
In trademark law, the existence of distinctive character is one of the main criteria for the registration of a trademark, and the overall impression of the trademarks and the elements they contain should be examined in detail when evaluating the likelihood of confusion between trademarks. In cases conducted by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (“EUIPO”), it is mentioned that, in addition to the distinctive elements of a trademark, the low distinctive elements… »
Does the Covid-19 Pandemic Constitute a Justified Reason for non-use?
The defendant in a non-use revocation action argued that the pandemic was a force majeure event which had compelled it to cease using its trademark temporarily The court disagreed, holding that the mark at issue, registered for personal care goods in Class 3, should have been used even more intensively during the pandemic The pandemic will not, in itself, be accepted as a justified reason for non-use in revocation actions After the covid-19 pandemic was declared globally… »
Approaches to Trademark Similarity in the Food Supplement Sector
A recent decision by the Court of Cassation regarding trademark similarity in the food supplements and vitamins sector offers a different perspective on the criteria for assessing trademark similarity. This decision provides valuable guidance for launching these products in compliance with both trademark law and sector-specific conditions. Background The decision of the 11th Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation (“CoC”) dated May 28, 2024 (case no. E. 2023/911, K.… »
Changes to Administrative Trade Mark Revocation in Türkiye
For the first time in Turkey, the IP law enacted in 2017 introduced an administrative revocation procedure before the Turkish Patent and Trade Mark Office. However, to ensure a smooth transition, its implementation was delayed until 10 January 2024. Previously, actions for revocation of trade marks based on non-use were filed as a court action before the specialized IP courts. As of 10 January 10 2024, the Office has become responsible for handling revocation requests.… »
Navigating Türkiye’s Legal Landscape on Parallel Imports and Grey Market Goods
Parallel imports and grey market goods (ie, genuine products that have been imported into a country without the trademark owner's consent, after being legitimately placed on the market elsewhere] have long been a subject of legal and commercial tension worldwide, and a main topic for discussions around trademark rights. Most countries apply a national or regional exhaustion of trademark rights. However, Article 7 of the Turkish Industrial Property Code 6769 (IP Code]. which… »
Applying Presumption of Patent Infringement Against Biosimilars
Before filing lawsuits to assert patent rights against generics or biosimilars, the patent holder essentially operates in the dark. This is because, particularly in cases where the summary of product characteristics (“SmPC”) of the biosimilar/generic drug has not yet been published, or when it is not clear from the limited information in the SmPC whether the patent has been infringed, the relevant sections of the biosimilar/generic product's dossier must be examined to assess… »
Enforcement of Foreign Judgments 2026 in Türkiye
Legislation Treaties Is your country party to any bilateral or multilateral treaties for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments? What is the country’s approach to entering into these treaties, and what, if any, amendments or reservations has your country made to such treaties? Except for those on family law, Türkiye is not a signatory to multilateral treaties for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. However, Türkiye is a… »
Regulations Regarding Direct Sales Models
With the Regulation on Direct Sales (“Regulation”) published in the Official Gazette dated 8 August 2025 and numbered 32980, direct sale systems have been re-regulated, which are sales systems established by a direct sale company and in which direct sellers (who are not employed by the relevant direct sale company under an employment contract but rather act as independent representatives, distributors, consultants or under similar titles, and engage in return for benefits… »
News and Events
Uğur Aktekin Spoke on Trademark Protection at INTA Training
We are proud to share that Uğur Aktekin recently participated as a speaker in a 2-day trademark examiners training for the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA), KIPI Kenya Industrial Property Institute, and the IPR Division of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). The event, organized by the International Trademark Association (INTA), covered key topics such as the Madrid System, Non-Traditional Marks (NTMs), and the protection of Famous and Well-Known Marks.…
Begüm Yavuzdoğan Okumuş Moderated the Session "How to Deal With Privacy & Cybersecurity Risks in M&A Documentation" at the ITechLaw 2024 European Conference
We were pleased to announce our participation in the ITechLaw 2024 European Conference, which took place in Munich from October 30 to November 1, 2024. We invited attendees to connect with us for potential meetings during the event. Our Partner, Begüm Yavuzdoğan Okumuş, represented Gün + Partners at the Conference and moderated the session, “How to Deal with Privacy & Cybersecurity Risks in M&A Documentation.” The ITechLaw 2024 European Conference brought together…
Gün + Partners Participated in the PatentMeet Mentorship Programme
Hande Hançar, Zeynep Çağla Üstün, and Pınar Arıkan participated as mentors in the PatentMeet Mentorship Programme launched by Patent Effect. The PatentMeet Mentoring Programme, of which we are one of the sponsors, offers participants who want to learn about protecting, managing and developing their intellectual property rights or who aim for a career in the field of intellectual property rights the opportunity to have one-to-one mentoring meetings with Turkey's leading…
Baran Güney Spoke at "Global Advertising Law Year in Review" Webinar by GALA
Baran Güney, managing associate in our TMT practice, talked about ''Overview of some of the key developments in advertising law over the last year in Turkey at "Global Advertising Law Year in Review" webinar by GALA.
Selin Sinem Erciyas Moderated the TEİD Ankara Event "Business Ethics and Compliance Practices: Real-Life Examples
Our partner, Selin Sinem Erciyas, moderated the event titled "Business Ethics and Compliance Practices: Real-Life Examples," organized by TEİD Ankara. The TEİD is an organization that aims to raise awareness among its stakeholders in the fields of ethics, compliance, and reputation management, and to provide its members with access to the latest information and best practices. The association organizes events that facilitate the sharing of knowledge, experience…
Zeynep Çağla Üstün Speaks at "Lawyers at Work" Event
Our senior associate Zeynep Çağla Üstün participated as a speaker at the "Lawyers at Work" event organized by ELSA Ankara on Saturday, December 16, 2023. Zeynep shared her experiences related to a career in an institutional law firm with law school students, providing information about Gün + Partners' activities, practice areas, internship opportunities, and workplace experience.…
Havva Yıldız Spoke at Bahçeşehir University
Havva Yıldız participated as a speaker in an event organized within the scope of the PALS and IGUL programs by Bahçeşehir University Faculty of Law. During the event, she shared the fundamental concepts of Intellectual Property Law and the career opportunities in this field with the students.
We Hosted ELSA İzmir, Where İrem Girenes Yücesoy and Begüm Soydan Sayılkan Shared Their Experiences
We hosted ELSA İzmir on December 06, 2024, where our managing associates İrem Girenes Yücesoy and Begüm Soydan Sayılkan shared their experiences of pursuing a career at an institutional law firm with the members. They provided insights into Gün + Partners' activities, practice areas, internship opportunities, and workplace experience.
Canan Tınaz Will Attend the 2024 Trademark Administrators & Practitioners (TMAP) Meeting in Pennsylvania
We are pleased to announce our participation at the 2024 Trademark Administrators & Practitioners (TMAP) Meeting, which will be held in Pennsylvania on September 22-24, 2024 and extend an invitation for a potential meeting during the event. Canan Tınaz will be representing Gün + Partners at the meeting. The 2024 Trademark Administrators & Practitioners (TMAP) Meeting is this year’s premier event for trademark administrators, paralegals, young practitioners, and…
Güldeniz Doğan Alkan and Mutlu Yıldırım Köse Attended the MARQUES 38th Annual Conference in Stockholm
We are excited to announce our participation in the 2024 MARQUES Annual Conference in Stockholm and warmly invite you to meet with us during the event. Güldeniz Doğan Alkan and Mutlu Yıldırım Köse will be representing Gün + Partners at the conference. This year’s Annual Conference sessions will cover diverse topics including: litigation and public opinion; working in areas outside your comfort zone; understanding local traditions; navigating consumer values; successful…
Meet us at the 2024 AIPPI World Congress in Hangzho
Gün + Partners' AIPPI team is excited to attend the AIPPI World Congress in Hangzhou 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…
Pınar Arıkan Will Attend the FICPI 22nd Open Forum in Madrid
We are excited to announce our participation in the FICPI 22nd Open Forum in Madrid and warmly invite you to meet with us during the event. Pınar Arıkan will be representing Gün + Partners at the forum. More than 20 years’ of experience has won the FICPI Open Forum a strong reputation for high-quality working sessions, with a special focus on best practices in IP firm management.