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Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Turkey.

Authority

Türkpatent

PCT

31 mo

Madrid

Member

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Türkpatent Patent/Trademark Search
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Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

  1. 1

    Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Turkey

  2. 2

    Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority

  3. 3

    Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Turkey

Turkish invention patents are examined and administered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (Türkpatent). Turkey uses a first-to-file system with a standard patent term of 20 years from the filing date. Turkey is a PCT member state; national phase entry typically requires filing within 31 months of the priority date with a Turkish translation. Turkey is not an EU member state, so European Patents (EPO) do not automatically extend to Turkey — applicants must file via PCT or direct national application.

Filing Requirements ▾
A Turkish invention patent application typically requires: application form, specification, claims, drawings (if applicable), abstract, and priority documents when claiming priority. PCT national phase entry requires a Turkish translation within the statutory deadline. **Filing language:** Turkish is the official language. Foreign applications entered via PCT or Paris Convention require a translation within the specified deadline. **Common issues:** - Quality and timeliness of Turkish translations - Completeness of priority documents - Filing the examination request within the required deadline (where applicable)

Source: Türkpatent official website; WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide (TR)

Patent Term ▾
The standard term for a Turkish invention patent is 20 years from the filing date, subject to payment of annual maintenance fees. For fields requiring regulatory approval (such as pharmaceuticals), Turkey has a patent term extension mechanism, but applicability depends on the specific situation.

Source: Türkpatent official website; Turkish Industrial Property Law

PCT National Phase Entry in Turkey ▾
Turkey is a PCT member state. The deadline for PCT national phase entry in Turkey is typically 31 months from the priority date. A Turkish translation must be submitted upon entry. **Important:** Turkey is not an EU member state, so the EPO route does not extend to Turkey. To obtain patent protection in Turkey, applicants must enter the PCT national phase or file directly with Türkpatent — they cannot rely on a European patent automatically covering Turkey.

Source: WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide (TR); Türkpatent official website

Patent Examination Process ▾
The typical Turkish invention patent process: 1. **File application** — Submit complete documents to Türkpatent 2. **Formal examination** — Completeness check 3. **Publication** — Typically 18 months after the filing date 4. **Substantive examination** — Türkpatent examines novelty, inventive step, etc. 5. **Office action response** — If an office action is issued, respond within specified deadline 6. **Grant and publication** — Grant followed by opposition period 7. **Registration and annuities** — Pay registration fee at grant, then annual fees thereafter

Source: Türkpatent patent procedure page

Utility Model ▾
Turkey has a utility model protection system. Utility models typically have a shorter term (approximately 10 years) and simpler procedures, suitable for inventions where faster protection or incremental improvements are the goal. OpenPTO note: Invention patents and utility models serve different purposes; whether to convert or file both should be based on the specific technology and market needs.

Source: Türkpatent official website; Turkish Industrial Property Law

Patent Annuities ▾
Turkish patent annuities accrue from the filing date and must be paid continuously to keep the patent in force. Türkpatent's official fee schedule publishes base fees by year, with fees generally increasing over time. It is advisable to set up an annuity calendar early after grant to avoid lapse due to missed or late payments.

Source: Türkpatent official fee schedule

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Turkey

Turkish trademarks are administered by Türkpatent, using a registration-based, first-to-file system with substantive examination. Turkey joined the Madrid Protocol in 1999, enabling international trademark applications with Turkey as a designated state. Turkey is not an EU member state, so EU trademarks (EUTM) do not automatically cover Turkey — a separate Turkish registration is required.

Madrid System and Direct Filing ▾
Turkey joined the Madrid Protocol in 1999 and can be designated in Madrid international trademark applications. For applicants with a base application/registration planning multi-country coverage, including Turkey in a Madrid filing is common. Direct national trademark applications to Türkpatent are also available, suitable when Turkey is the primary target market.

Source: WIPO Madrid member information — Turkey

EUTM Does Not Cover Turkey ▾
This is the most commonly overlooked key point. Turkey is not an EU member state, so EU trademark (EUTM) protection does not extend to Turkey. If you already have an EUTM and need protection in the Turkish market, you must separately register in Turkey either through Madrid designation or a direct national application with Türkpatent.

Source: Türkpatent official website

Use Requirements ▾
After registration, the trademark owner must genuinely use the mark in Turkey. If a registered trademark is not put to genuine use in Turkey within a specified period (typically 5 years), it may be subject to cancellation for non-use. This is particularly important for brands registering as a precautionary measure before entering the Turkish market.

Source: Turkish Industrial Property Law; Türkpatent guidance

Registration Term and Renewal ▾
Turkish trademark registrations are valid for 10 years, renewable every 10 years indefinitely. Renewal must be filed before expiry; late renewal may incur additional fees.

Source: Türkpatent official website — trademark renewal

Multi-Class Applications ▾
Turkey uses the Nice Classification system and supports multi-class applications. Official fees increase per additional class. Carefully planning the class scope ensures complete protection while managing initial filing costs.

Source: Türkpatent official website

Patent Annuity

Turkey Patent Annuities

Turkish patent annuities increase progressively from the filing date and must be paid continuously. **Key note:** Turkey is outside the European patent system — maintaining a European patent does not automatically maintain Turkish protection. Turkish patents must be maintained separately with timely annuity payments.

Source: Türkpatent official fee schedule

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Turkey Trademark Renewals

Turkish trademarks are valid for 10 years and renewable. Late renewal incurs additional fees. Unlike European trademark portfolios that follow a single EUTM renewal timeline, Turkish trademarks must be managed entirely independently.

Source: Türkpatent official website

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Turkey IP

How long does a Turkish invention patent last? ▾
Typically 20 years from the filing date, subject to payment of annual fees.
Is Turkey covered by European Patent (EPO) protection? ▾
Turkey is a member of the European Patent Convention (EPC), so a European patent granted by EPO can be validated in Turkey, but requires separate validation and maintenance fees. However, EU trademarks (EUTM) do not cover Turkey at all.
What is the PCT national phase entry deadline for Turkey? ▾
Typically 31 months from the priority date, with a Turkish translation required.
Can I file a Turkish trademark through the Madrid System? ▾
Yes. Turkey joined the Madrid Protocol in 1999 and can be designated in Madrid international trademark applications.
Do I need a separate Turkish trademark if I already have an EUTM? ▾
Yes. Turkey is not an EU member state, so EUTM protection does not extend to Turkey. Separate Turkish trademark protection requires either Madrid designation of Turkey or a direct national application with Türkpatent.
How long is a Turkish trademark registration valid? ▾
10 years from registration, renewable every 10 years indefinitely.
Can a Turkish trademark be cancelled for non-use? ▾
Yes. If a registered trademark is not put to genuine use in Turkey within the specified period (typically 5 years), it may be subject to cancellation for non-use.
Does Turkey have a utility model system? ▾
Yes. Turkey has a utility model system with a term of approximately 10 years and simpler procedures, suitable for incremental inventions.
Does Turkey support WIPO DAS? ▾
Yes. Türkpatent participates in WIPO DAS, enabling digital retrieval of qualifying priority documents.
When do Turkish patent annuities begin? ▾
Annuities typically accrue from the filing date and must be paid by anniversary to keep the patent in force.
Can a single Turkish trademark application cover multiple Nice classes? ▾
Yes. Turkey uses the Nice Classification and a single application can cover multiple classes, with fees increasing per class.
Does Turkey have a patent novelty grace period? ▾
Turkey has a novelty grace period, but the specific conditions and scope require case-by-case assessment. It is advisable to consult with a professional before filing rather than assuming the grace period will automatically apply.
Is a local agent required to file a patent in Turkey? ▾
Non-residents of Turkey are generally required to appoint a registered Turkish patent attorney or agent to file and prosecute patent applications.
When does a Turkish patent application get published? ▾
Typically 18 months after the filing date; early publication can be requested.
What is the official language for Turkish trademark applications? ▾
Turkish. When Turkey is designated in a Madrid application, Türkpatent still conducts examination and correspondence in Turkish.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

Türkpatent Official Website www.turkpatent.gov.tr Türkpatent Patent Search www.turkpatent.gov.tr/en/content/patentSearch WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide — Turkey (TR) www.wipo.int/pct/en/appguide/ WIPO Madrid Member Info — Turkey www.wipo.int/madrid/en/members/ WIPO DAS Official Page www.wipo.int/das/

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

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