Online International Trademark and Search

Marka Tescili Nedir?

Trademark registration gives legal protection to the signs that show who supplies a product or service — a name, a logo, a slogan. It lets the owner stop third parties from using or imitating the mark without permission. Registration is not limited to a name or a logo: colours, sounds, scents and textures can also qualify.

Hangi Markalar Tescil Edilebilir?

Not every mark can be registered. To qualify it must be distinctive — readily distinguishable from competing marks. It must also be lawful and must not offend public order.

Broadly, the following types of mark can be registered:

• Word marks: Marks consisting only of letters (for example Coca-Cola, Nike)
• Figurative marks: Marks consisting of an image or graphic (for example the Apple logo, the Twitter bird)
• Karma Markalar: Marks combining word and image (for example the Adidas logo together with the name)
• Slogan marks: Short phrases describing a product or service (for example “Just Do It”)
• Colour marks: Colours associated with a particular product or service (for example Tiffany blue, Cadbury purple)
• Sound marks: Sounds associated with a particular product or service (for example the Nokia ringtone, the MGM lion’s roar)

What Does Trademark Registration Do for You?

Registration brings a number of benefits, among them:

• Protection of the mark: Registration prevents third parties from using or imitating the mark without permission, allowing the owner to protect both its reputation and its value.
• Competitive advantage: A registered mark can give you an edge over competitors. Consumers tend to see registered marks as more trustworthy and of higher quality.
• Yasal Haklar: Registration confers legal rights on the owner. On the strength of those rights the owner can bring proceedings and claim damages if the mark is infringed.
• Licensing opportunities: A registered mark can be licensed to third parties, giving the owner an additional source of income.
• International trade: Registration also matters in international trade: a registered mark can be protected in other countries as well.

Who Can Register a Trademark?

Any natural or legal person may file a trademark application:

• Natural persons: Individuals may apply whether or not they are traders.
• Legal persons: Joint-stock companies, limited companies, cooperatives, associations and foundations may all apply.
• Foreign applicants: Foreign natural and legal persons may also file trademark applications in Türkiye.

Applications are filed with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. The filing must state the type of mark, its classes and its representation.

Registration usually takes between six and twelve months. Once the application is accepted the mark is registered and the certificate is issued to the owner. Protection lasts ten years and is renewable.

Documents Required for Registration

The documents required vary according to the applicant in whose name the filing is made.

In general the following documents are needed:

For every type of application:

• Application form: A standard form, downloadable from the Office’s website or available at its offices. It records the applicant’s identity and address, the details of the mark and other required information.
• Filing fee: The fee is payable under the schedule set by the Office. A copy of the payment receipt or bank transfer slip must be attached to the application.
• Representation of the mark: The mark must be supplied electronically (JPG or PNG, for example) or in print. Every element of the mark must be clearly visible.
• Description of the mark: A short statement of what the mark represents and the sectors in which it will be used.