European Patent validation in Turkey is a crucial step for rights holders seeking effective protection in one of the region’s most strategically positioned markets. As Akkas & Associates Law Firm, a top-tier full-service legal practice in Istanbul with extensive experience in patent prosecution and litigation, we provide end-to-end intellectual property (IP) solutions to both domestic and international clients.
Successfully completing the European Patent Validation in Turkey is a time-sensitive, complex procedure that requires expert knowledge of the Industrial Property Code and TürkPatent practices.
Table of Contents
- What Is European Patent Validation in Turkey?
- Why Turkey Is a Key Market for Patent Protection in 2025
- Legal Basis for European Patent Validation in Turkey
- Step-by-Step: European Patent Validation Process in Turkey
- Deadlines for European Patent Validation in Turkey
- Consequences of Missing the Validation Deadline
- Common Mistakes During EP Validation in Turkey
- How Our Law Firm Assists Clients in European Patent Validation
- European Patent Enforcement After Validation
- FAQs About European Patent Validation in Turkey
- Q1: Is Turkey a member of the European Patent Convention (EPC)?
- Q2: Do I need a Turkish Patent Attorney for European Patent Validation?
- Q3: What documents must be translated into Turkish for validation?
- Q4: What is the deadline for filing the Turkish translation?
- Q5: Can I get protection before the European patent is granted?
- Contact us for European Patent Validation in Turkey
We explain the 2025 European Patent validation process in Turkey, outline legal requirements, highlight common pitfalls, and provide actionable insights to ensure compliance and strong enforceability of your patent rights.
What Is European Patent Validation in Turkey?
After a European Patent is granted by the European Patent Office (EPO), patent owners must validate the patent in each designated country where they seek protection. Turkey, as an EPC contracting state since 2000, requires applicants to complete several formalities to ensure the patent is legally effective and enforceable on Turkish territory.
Failing to validate the patent in time results in loss of rights, making this process essential for any patent owner doing business in or with Turkey.
Why Turkey Is a Key Market for Patent Protection in 2025
Turkey is a fast-growing hub for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology, automotive, machinery, electronics, and software-related innovations. Its central location, large production capacity, and dynamic R&D culture make it a high-value jurisdiction for securing patent rights.
Additionally:
- Turkey has strong IP enforcement mechanisms
- Turkish courts have become more specialized in handling complex patent disputes
- The market offers significant licensing and technology transfer opportunities
Thus, validating a European Patent in Turkey is both legally beneficial and commercially strategic.
Legal Basis for European Patent Validation in Turkey
The main legislation governing EP validations in Turkey includes:
- Turkish Industrial Property Law No. 6769 (IP Law)
- European Patent Convention (EPC)
- Regulations and guidelines of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TURKPATENT)
- International treaties such as the Paris Convention and TRIPS
Step-by-Step: European Patent Validation Process in Turkey
1. Filing the Validation Request
Once the European Patent is granted and published in the European Patent Bulletin, applicants must file a validation request in Turkey.
This includes:
- Applicant details
- Patent number
- Designated states
- Bibliographic data
- Turkish translation of claims
2. Translation Requirements
Under Turkish law, a Turkish translation of the claims is mandatory. However, applicants may also submit:
- Full description translation (optional but recommended if litigation is anticipated)
- Abstract translation
Translations must be accurate, as inconsistencies may weaken your enforcement position.
3. Payment of Official Fees
Applicants must pay the official validation fee to TURKPATENT within the deadline. Additional fees may apply for voluntary filing of full translations.
4. Entry in the National Patent Register
Upon acceptance, the European Patent is entered into the Turkish Patent Register. From this point, the patent has the same legal effect as a national Turkish patent, granting rights to enforce, license, assign, or commercialize it.
5. Annual Renewal Fees
To maintain your patent’s validity in Turkey, annual annuity fees must be paid each year. Missing payments triggers grace periods and surcharges, but ultimately leads to loss of protection if not remedied.
Deadlines for European Patent Validation in Turkey
The general rule:
- 3 months from the publication of the European Patent grant in the EP Bulletin
Extensions are not allowed, so applicants must prepare translations and fees promptly.
Consequences of Missing the Validation Deadline
If validation is not completed in time:
- The patent loses its legal effect in Turkey
- Restoration of rights is not available for missed validation
- Competitors may freely use the invention
Because of these severe consequences, rights holders typically work with experienced IP law firms in Turkey to avoid procedural errors.
Common Mistakes During EP Validation in Turkey
- Late submission of Turkish translations
- Incorrect terminology leading to inconsistencies
- Failure to properly designate Turkey at the EPO stage
- Misunderstanding renewal fee obligations
- Relying on automated or low-quality translation tools
Accurate execution of every step ensures enforceability and stronger litigation outcomes.
How Our Law Firm Assists Clients in European Patent Validation
As a leading IP practice in Turkey, Akkas & Associates Law Firm provides:
- Filing and managing European Patent validations
- Translating claims and descriptions with technical precision
- Monitoring deadlines and annuity payments
- Representing clients in infringement and nullity actions
- Conducting freedom-to-operate (FTO) and patentability analyses
European Patent Enforcement After Validation
Once validated, the patent owner may enforce rights before specialized IP courts in Turkey. Enforcement mechanisms include:
- Injunctions (preliminary and permanent)
- Seizure of infringing goods
- Damages and compensation claims
- Customs monitoring measures
Because Turkish courts consider both the EP text and the Turkish translation, accuracy during validation directly impacts litigation strength.
FAQs About European Patent Validation in Turkey
Q1: Is Turkey a member of the European Patent Convention (EPC)?
A: Yes, Turkey has been a Contracting State to the EPC since November 1, 2000. This is the legal basis for validating a European patent in Turkey.
Q2: Do I need a Turkish Patent Attorney for European Patent Validation?
A: Yes. If you do not have a residence or principal place of business in Turkey, you are legally required to appoint a registered Turkish Patent Attorney to handle the validation process before TürkPatent.
Q3: What documents must be translated into Turkish for validation?
A: You must provide a Turkish translation of the entire granted patent specification, which includes the title, abstract, description, claims, and any text in the drawings. Turkey is not party to the London Agreement.
Q4: What is the deadline for filing the Turkish translation?
A: The initial deadline for filing the translation is three months from the publication date of the mention of the grant in the European Patent Bulletin. This deadline can be extended for an additional three months by paying an extension fee, but the request for validation must be made within the initial three months.
Q5: Can I get protection before the European patent is granted?
A: Yes, you can obtain provisional protection by filing a Turkish translation of the claims of the published European patent application with TürkPatent. This protection starts once the translation is published in the Turkish Patent Bulletin.
Contact us for European Patent Validation in Turkey
Validating a European patent in Turkey is an essential step for patent holders seeking protection within the country. Adhering to the specified conditions and procedures is critical to ensuring a smooth and successful validation process.
With our experience since 1992, having registered over 140 patents and provided full-service IP litigation and validation, Akkas & Associates Law Firm is ideally positioned to assist you. Our multilingual team of Turkish Patent Attorneys provides precise, efficient, and cost-effective services, ensuring your intellectual property receives the maximum protection available under Turkish law.
Contact us today to learn more about our professional services and how we can assist with your European patent validation in Turkey.
Please fill out and submit the form below to make an appointment.
