As Akkas & Associates Law Firm, we have been providing premier Turkish patent law services since 1992. Our team has registered more than 140 patents and represented multinational and local clients in all forms of intellectual property (IP) litigation.
In 2025, the landscape of patent protection in Turkey continues to evolve, requiring businesses, inventors, and R&D-driven companies to work with experienced counsel who can protect their innovations efficiently and strategically.
Turkey’s patent system is governed primarily by Industrial Property Law No. 6769, offering robust mechanisms for registration, enforcement, licensing, and dispute resolution. Below, we provide a detailed overview of the services we offer, the current regulatory framework, and why working with a seasoned IP team is essential for safeguarding your technological advancements.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Patent System in Turkey
- Our Turkish Patent Law Services
- FAQs about Turkish Patent Law
- Q1: What are the fundamental requirements for a patentable invention in Türkiye?
- Q2: How long does patent protection last in Türkiye?
- Q3: Can a foreign applicant file a patent application directly with TÜRKPATENT?
- Q4: What is the difference between a Patent and a Utility Model in Turkish law?
- Q5: Where are patent infringement cases heard in Turkey?
- Q6: Is software patentable in Turkey?
- Contact us for Turkish Patent Law Services
Understanding the Patent System in Turkey
The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO) administers patent registrations under clear and structured procedures. Applicants may seek national patents, PCT national phase entries, or validation of European patents. Each route has distinct requirements, timelines, and cost structures.
Turkey operates a post-examination system, meaning substantive examination is mandatory before a patent is granted. Inventions must meet the criteria of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
For more information on cross-border processes, you may also explore our guide on
European Patent Validation in Turkey
Our Turkish Patent Law Services
1. Patent Search and Novelty Assessment
We conduct comprehensive searches to identify potential conflicts and determine whether an invention meets novelty requirements under Turkish and international standards. This phase helps minimize costly rejections and litigation risks.
2. Patent Drafting and Filing
Our attorneys prepare strong patent specifications, claims, and drawings. We file national patent applications with the TPTO, PCT applications, and EP validations. Attention to detail at this stage is crucial for robust long-term enforceability.
3. PCT and International Patent Procedures
We support clients in entering the Turkey national phase of PCT applications and assist with multi-jurisdictional filing strategies. Our multilingual IP team ensures compliance with WIPO and EU requirements.
4. Patent Prosecution Before TPTO
Our lawyers manage all stages of prosecution, including responding to Office Actions, handling oppositions, and maintaining communication with TPTO examiners. Prosecution quality directly affects enforceability and duration of protection.
5. Patent Litigation and Enforcement
We represent clients in:
- infringement lawsuits
- invalidation actions
- appeals before the Regional Courts and Court of Cassation
- customs seizures and anti-counterfeiting actions
Our litigation experience spans engineering, software, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.
6. Patent Portfolio Management
For companies managing large R&D outputs, we design long-term filing strategies, conduct IP audits, and oversee renewal monitoring. Our holistic approach helps clients maximize value and reduce unnecessary expenses.
7. Patent Licensing & Commercialization
We draft and negotiate license agreements, technology transfer contracts, and R&D cooperation agreements. Properly structured agreements help companies monetize innovations while protecting their ownership rights.
8. Patent Renewal & Maintenance Services
We manage annuity payments, ensuring that patents remain active throughout their entire protection period. Missing deadlines can lead to irreversible loss of rights, making professional management vital.
FAQs about Turkish Patent Law
Q1: What are the fundamental requirements for a patentable invention in Türkiye?
A: An invention must be new, involve an inventive step (not obvious to a person skilled in the art), and be industrially applicable (can be made or used in any kind of industry).
Q2: How long does patent protection last in Türkiye?
A: A standard patent, which requires substantive examination, provides protection for 20 years from the filing date. A Utility Model is protected for 10 years. Both require timely payment of annual maintenance fees.
Q3: Can a foreign applicant file a patent application directly with TÜRKPATENT?
A: Yes, foreign applicants can file directly or through the PCT system. However, for non-residents, all dealings with TÜRKPATENT must be conducted through a Turkish Patent Attorney registered with the Office.
Q4: What is the difference between a Patent and a Utility Model in Turkish law?
A: A Patent covers inventions with a higher inventive step and is protected for 20 years after substantive examination. A Utility Model covers simpler, incremental innovations, is protected for 10 years, and does not undergo a substantive examination for novelty or inventive step (only formal examination).
Q5: Where are patent infringement cases heard in Turkey?
A: Patent infringement and nullity cases are exclusively handled by the specialized Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights Civil Courts (IP Courts) in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. In other cities, a designated Civil Court of General Practice is authorized.
Q6: Is software patentable in Turkey?
A: As in European practice, software as such is not patentable. However, a software-related invention may be patentable if it provides a technical solution to a technical problem and meets the core patentability criteria.
Contact us for Turkish Patent Law Services
Safeguarding your intellectual property in Turkey is a vital step towards fostering innovation and ensuring your competitive advantage in the market. Akkas & Associates Law Firm, with its deep understanding of Turkish Patent Law Services, provides a strong legal foundation for businesses and inventors.
Protect your inventions and industrial assets. Do you need expert patent registration services, strategic IP litigation support, or counsel on Turkish Industrial Property Code compliance? Contact Akkas & Associates Law Firm today to speak with a seasoned Turkish Patent Attorney and safeguard your future in the Turkish market.
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