Many European businesses assume their EU trademark (EUTM) automatically protects their brand in Turkey. It does not. Turkey is not a member of the European Union, and EUTM protection stops at EU borders.
What Is a EUTM?
A European Union Trade Mark (EUTM) is a unitary trademark registration that covers all 27 EU member states through a single application filed with the EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office). One registration, one renewal, one set of fees — for the entire EU.
It is an extremely efficient system — but it covers only EU territory. The moment you step outside EU borders, EUTM protection ends.
Does Turkey Recognise EUTM Registrations?
No. Turkey is not an EU member state and has no agreement with the EU that extends EUTM rights to Turkish territory. Your EUTM registration gives you:
- Protection in all 27 EU countries
- No protection in Turkey
- No protection in the UK (post-Brexit)
- No protection in Switzerland, Norway, or other non-EU countries
EUTM vs Turkey Trademark — Side by Side
| EUTM | Turkey (TÜRKPATENT) | |
|---|---|---|
| Territory | 27 EU member states | Turkey only |
| Covers Turkey? | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Filing office | EUIPO (Alicante) | TÜRKPATENT (Ankara) |
| System type | Unitary — one filing | National — separate filing |
| Priority date | Filing date with EUIPO | Filing date with TÜRKPATENT |
| Protection period | 10 years, renewable | 10 years, renewable |
| Language | One of 5 EUIPO languages | Turkish |
| Local agent required | No (EU applicants) | Yes (foreign applicants must use a registered agent) |
| Agent fee (approx.) | €800–2,000+ | $500 (Elçi Patent) |
Why Does Turkey Matter for Your Brand?
Turkey is one of Europe's most important trading partners. For European businesses, Turkey is relevant for several reasons:
- Customs Union: Turkey is part of the EU–Turkey Customs Union (since 1996) for industrial goods. Your products move freely — but your brand rights don't.
- Manufacturing: Many European brands manufacture in Turkey. Registration protects against counterfeit products entering your own supply chain.
- E-commerce: Turkish consumers actively shop on European platforms. Unregistered brand names are vulnerable to local copycats who can then block your goods at Turkish customs.
- First-to-file: Turkey operates a first-to-file system. If a competitor registers your brand first, you may lose the right to use your own name in Turkey.
How to Register Your Trademark in Turkey
Foreign companies must use an authorized TÜRKPATENT trademark agent — direct filing by foreign applicants is not permitted. The process is straightforward:
Free preliminary search
We search the TÜRKPATENT database for identical or similar marks in your target classes.
Power of attorney + application filing
You sign a simple power of attorney (can be done remotely). We file the application with TÜRKPATENT the same day.
Examination → publication → certificate
TÜRKPATENT examines the mark, publishes it for a 2-month opposition period, then issues your certificate. We handle all communication in English. Opposition proceedings can extend the timeline, but most applications complete within 6 months.
Can I Use My EUTM Filing Date as Priority in Turkey?
Yes — this is an important point many businesses miss. Under the Paris Convention, you have 6 months from your EUTM filing date to file in Turkey and claim your EU priority date. This means your Turkish application would be treated as if it was filed on the same day as your EUTM application.
If you have an existing EUTM and haven't yet filed in Turkey, check whether you're still within the 6-month priority window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Your EUTM gives you no rights in Turkey. Any third party can file your brand name (or a similar one) with TÜRKPATENT and obtain a registration. Once registered, they could potentially block imports of your goods into Turkey or seek damages for trademark infringement.
No. The entire process is handled remotely. A power of attorney can be signed electronically or sent by post. We manage all interactions with TÜRKPATENT on your behalf.
Our agent fee is $500 per application (covers up to 3 classes). Official TÜRKPATENT fees are approximately $300 per class. Total cost: ~$800 for 1 class, ~$1,100 for 2 classes, ~$1,400 for 3 classes — significantly less than typical EU or US trademark attorney fees.
Yes. Turkey is a member of the Madrid Protocol. If you already have a base registration in your home country, you can designate Turkey through a single WIPO international application. Direct national filing through TÜRKPATENT is often faster and cheaper for a single-country designation, but Madrid is more efficient when you're registering in multiple countries simultaneously.
