Istanbul Lawyers

Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm is a one of the leading Istanbul law firms with a long record of excellence and professional leadership in Istanbul, Turkey. Since its foundation in 1992, Akkas & Associates’ Istanbul Lawyers has been the choice of numerous clients in Turkey. Thanks to its nationally recognized litigation group and sophisticated business law practice, our firm is now one of the globally recognized Turkish law firms in Istanbul, Turkey.

Akkas & Associates is a relatively young Turkish law firm, but one with an impressive and respected history. We began from the efforts and dreams of one lawyer, Selcuk Akkas, who was soon joined by his colleagues and associates. Together they and many other talented individuals built an organization around collaboration and mutual respect, and on absolute dedication to providing clients with value.

Top Tier Experience

The expertise and specialization of our attorneys and the forging of a team approach to problem solving enables us to address and meet your particular challenge with the application of the most appropriate talents and experience. We invite you to learn more about these practice areas; business & commercial law, criminal defense, foreign investment law, intellectual property law, litigation & trial practice, and tax law to meet our teams and attorneys who comprise them.

Turkish Bankruptcy & Debt Recovery Law

Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm’s bankruptcy & debt recovery lawyers are prepared to handle debt recovery cases. Our debt recovery lawyers have a wide range of experience in Turkish insolvency proceedings. We have represented both domestic and foreign clients in numerous bankruptcy cases in Turkey.

Our Turkish bankruptcy debt recovery lawyers  have vigorously asserted creditor’s claims in a wide range of cases involving such debtors as shipyards, bio-tech companies, real estate developments, and textile manufacturers. We have successfully represented not only secured creditors, but also lien holders and unsecured creditors. For example, Akkas & Associates attorneys have successfully marshaled the debtor’s assets for the benefit of a lien creditor. Our bankruptcy attorneys have also represented numerous clients in cancellation actions in fraudulent conveyance actions.

In addition to adversary proceedings, Akkas & Associates’ attorneys have also counseled clients on a wide range of insolvency-related issues, including the merits of different types of insolvency proceedings, how best to protect themselves when doing business with a financially troubled entity, and lender liability. We have also advised clients in connection with purchases of debtors’ assets, tax issues arising from insolvency proceedings, and environmental issues related to acquisitions of debtors’ assets.

Debt Recovery

Our debt recovery lawyers have substantial experience in providing efficient and useful advice to clients to assist them to recover money owing in Turkey. All debt needs to be scrutinized, assessed and an action plan started to ensure you are not working without appropriate reward.  Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm’s lawyers can assist you with implementing such an action plan.

Recover Your Hard-Earned Money

Many small businesses go under due to poor debt handling practices. Maintaining cash flow, ensuring your viability and ensuring money is coming in when due to you is why you are in business and how you stay in business.  It has never been more relevant for businesses to be completely aware of how debt can impact on their enterprise.  We only need to look at the TV and papers as to what is happening in the global economy to see the impact that debt has had on the world and the disastrous affect resulting to people’s financial well being.

Letter of Demand – The Starting Point

A letter of demand does not need to be a work of art.  It simply needs to get across the details of the amount being claimed with sufficient certainty that the person who receives it is in no doubt as to the amount and the details of the claim and where and when it is to be paid. If the debtor is a company, then a statutory demand, being a formal notice under the Execution and Bankruptcy Act.

Agreed Fees – No Surprises

As with all the services we provide, we provide estimates before we undertake any work which sets out how we charge for any particular matter and how much can be expected to be paid, and just as importantly, how much you can get back if you are ultimately successful in your action.

Turkish Business & Commercial Law

Akkas & Associates’ business & commercial lawyers are prepared to handle all types of business matters. Our Turkish business and commercial lawyers also represent our clients in the following areas of law; corporate law, company formation and governance, labour employment law, bankruptcy & debt recovery, work and resident permit applications, mergers & acquisitions, due diligence, and commercial transactions.

Akkas & Associates Turkish business lawyers represent the firm’s business clients including corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and sole proprietorship with respect to all types and aspects of commercial transactions and business-related legal issues. Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm lawyers have extensive experience in advising clients on formation of corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and joint ventures, in addition to the preparation of purchase order, warranty, and other commercial forms.

Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm lawyers also regularly assist clients in complying with governmental regulatory requirements and in negotiating and drafting franchise agreements, equipment lease or purchase agreements, licensing and intellectual property agreements, supply agreements, sales representation agreements, management or services agreements, and requirement and output contracts. We also have significant experience in assisting, advising, and representing clients in commercial divorces and settlements, in structuring buy/sell arrangements among business owners, and in negotiating and drafting agreements to address management and control issues.

Akkas & Associates attorneys have the expertise to assist all types of companies, from start-ups to multinational conglomerates, in meeting their day-to-day commercial and business needs, including, but not limited to, sale of goods, commercial paper, and letter of credit or bulk transfer issues. Akkas & Associates prides itself on responding quickly to the needs of its clients to assist them in taking full advantage of business opportunities that may arise in their day-to-day operations.

Akkas & Associates’ business and commercial law attorneys work closely with the firm’s litigation attorneys to provide support and expertise in commercial litigation. This ensures that all the needs of the firm’s clients are met in a coordinated manner, whether those needs relate to business law, litigation, or both.

Company Formation in Turkey

Akkas & Associates’ Turkish company formation lawyers are prepared to assist you to form a company in Turkey. Our company formation lawyers are experienced in LLC establishment, joint stock company, holding company, branch office, liaison office, and free trade zone company incorporation, and company management and governance.

Today, clients are faced with unprecedented challenges as new laws and regulations are changing the way the corporate world works. Akkas & Associates has one of the preeminent corporate governance practices in Turkey, drawing upon the expertise of our corporate, securities, governance, litigation, and compensation specialists to provide our clients with the information and analysis needed to respond to a rapidly changing regulatory environment.

Turkish Company Formation Services

Our attorneys are experienced in formation and governance of;

• Branch Offices
• Liaison Offices
• Limited Liability Companies
• Joint Stock Companies
• Free Trade Zone Companies
• Joint Ventures

in Turkey. We maintain a unsurpassed practice counseling and representing large and small companies and boards of directors regarding entity formation and corporate governance matters. We advise our public and private clients on all matters concerning formation of new entities from corporate formalities to tax issues.

We regularly advise clients with respect to the formation of companies. Our services with respect to company formation include advising and drafting documents in connection with the formation of corporations, limited liability companies, and liaison offices. We provide targeted advice with respect to both the choice of entity and Turkish laws under the entity is to be organized.

We also advise our company clients on a full range of new laws and related matters, as well as other corporate governance rules. Our clients range from small private companies with no internal legal staff to medium size companies with their own internal legal staff. For each of our clients we tailor our approach to that client’s unique requirements.

Turkish Criminal Law

Akkas & Associates’ Turkish  criminal defense lawyers are prepared to handle criminal cases against companies and their executives and directors. Our criminal lawyers have defended our client companies and their executives and directors in different types of criminal litigation.

Akkas & Associates’ criminal defense lawyers vigorously defend companies and their executives and directors against charges of criminal misconduct and related civil claims. Utilizing a talent base composed of former high-ranking prosecutors and long-time defense practitioners, we have delivered successful results through both the adversary process as well as through skillful negotiation. Our matters span varied industries and have involved concerns of criminal misconduct under antitrust, banking, environmental, false claims, healthcare, and securities laws, among others. With the support of of counsels, our criminal defense attorneys can defend clients nationally and internationally from our Istanbul Office.

Corporate Investigations

Our group quickly delivers the experience and resources necessary to perform complex and often time-pressured internal investigations that usually accompany any significant government investigation and related civil plaintiffs’ litigation. Providing coordinated and consistent defenses to such “parallel proceedings” has been the hallmark of our practice for decades. We react quickly when there is an opportunity to understand the scope of any potential problems before they are discovered by potential governmental or civil plaintiff adversaries. Our group’s ability to manage the competing pressures and restraints of a matter has been proven in numerous industries. Our knowledge of the criminal process and civil fraud litigation means that our investigations are conducted with eye toward both the potential benefits of a successful investigation as well as an awareness of the pitfalls inherent to such investigations.

Compliance Program Counseling

We also provide counsel in the development of compliance programs to minimize the risk of future criminal or civil problems. Our lawyers recognize the value of prevention or at least early detection of possible misconduct. Our lawyers are experienced with the importance of compliance programs and, more importantly, in persuading prosecutors to decline indictment. Toward that end, our lawyers assist management in developing effective compliance programs, carefully tailored to the client’s industry and particular needs.

Turkish Customs Law

Akkas & Associates’ Turkish customs lawyers are prepared to handle all types of business matters. Our Turkish customs lawyers also represent our clients in the following areas of law; corporate law, company formation and governance, labour employment law, bankruptcy & debt recovery, work and resident permit applications, mergers & acquisitions, due diligence, and commercial transactions.

Global Trade Law Specialists

Successfully meeting the complex challenges of global trade compliance requires a smart strategy. For leading companies worldwide, that strategy is a partnership with Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm. But these industry leaders know they are getting much more than proven legal expertise, solid international presence, and exceptional client service.

Globalization and protectionist trends, the impact of Brexit – the significance of trade law has rarely been so much in the spotlight of multinational companies and governments across the globe. Our International Trade Team has extensive experience in helping clients navigate through key areas of international trade law including customs, EU trade defense, export controls and sanctions and trade regulatory matters.

By combining our first-class legal trade expertise with deep sector knowledge, we have become known for our refreshingly creative thinking helping clients achieve their commercial goals. We have direct inroads into all levels of government and we have a wide network of offices across the world.

Our team has extensive experience in EU trade matters, long-lasting relationships with key EU decision-makers and excellent insight into the workings of the EU institutions and the political drivers of EU policy-making. Several team members of our Trade group have held senior positions in national administration(s), the European Parliament and/or the European Commission.

Akkas & Associates’ lawyers advise clients on, and resolves issues related to, the impact of regulations mandated by the European Union and World Trade Organization. Our primary objective is to help clients overcome commercial obstacles related to market access and import and export-related difficulties that result from government intervention and market regulations in Turkey.

What We Do in Customs

We advise on all aspects of import and export of goods and customs, including classification and quotas; customs valuation; country of origin issues; applications for repayment or remission of duties, waiver or mitigation of penalties; appeals against customs decisions; duty suspension; innovative customs management and duty reduction initiatives.

Our Experience in Customs

• Export and import controls
• Tariff and non-tariff based trade barriers
• Rules of origin
• Customs classification and valuations
• Food and product safety
• Packaging and labeling
• Dual use goods and technologies

Turkish Family Law & Divorce

Akkas & Associates’ Turkish family lawyers and divorce attorneys are prepared to handle divorce cases, from a simple no-contest divorce proceeding to a complicated divorce with significant property and children. Our divorce lawyers also represent our clients in other family law issues including; contested divorce, uncontested divorce, alimony & compensation, child custody, child support, recognition of foreign divorce decree, and other family law litigation.

We understand your needs when it comes to family law issues. We’re dedicated to helping you make the right decisions, even during difficult and emotional circumstances. Our Turkish family lawyers  give you sound legal advice based upon the law, our experience and the unique facts of your situation. Our firm’s family lawyers are devoted exclusively to family law issues including contested divorce, uncontested divorce, alimony & compensation, child custody & support, recognition of foreign divorce decrees, and litigation.

Turkish Divorce Regulations

Turkey legally recognizes marriages executed in Turkey. A marriage is registered at a local Vital Statistics Office (Nufus Dairesi). In Turkey, all family records are recorded in the Vital Statistics office that was the original home to the family. Even if no one currently lives in that area, births, marriages, divorces, and other events are recorded in this one location.

In the event the marriage was executed in another country, the marriage may be registered through the nearest Turkish consulate. The Turkish Consulate will forward the documents to the office that handles that family record book.

To terminate a legal marriage it is required to obtain a divorce decree from a Turkish family court. Divorce proceedings are generally open to the public. However, at the request of either party, a judge may choose to preside over a closed or private court case. Judges may also take temporary measures for the protection of the parties, their property, and the welfare of their children.

When a divorce case is filed, a judge may decide on separation, if he or she determines there is a possibility of the parties reconciling. A period of 1-3 years can be given for separation before the final decision to grant a divorce is reached.

Following a divorce, the woman generally resumes the last name she had before the marriage. She may, however, continue to use her husband’s last name if the judge approves this decision. The divorced woman may not legally remarry within 300 days following the date of the dissolution except in cases where court permission is obtained.

In divorce cases in Turkey, the court also rules on child custody issues. The court may compel non-custodial parents to contribute to each child’s health and education expenses in proportion to the parent’s economic status.

Turkish Divorce Grounds:

1. Adultery, Maltreatment, threat to life, severe insult
2. Committing a crime which degrades the integrity or the prestige of the other party
3. Deserting home: If one of the parties leaves home and does not return for at least 6 months without showing a valid reason and also does not respond to the Judge’s warnings, the deserted spouse may open a court case for a divorce. The party who has forced his/her spouse to leave home or who prevents the return of the spouse without any valid reason is also considered to have deserted his/her home.
4. Mental illness: If one of the parties has a mental problem which is confirmed by an official medical committee report that it cannot be treated, a court case for a divorce can easily be opened.
5. Incompatibility: Though this is the widest area of grounds for opening divorce cases, the Defendant has the right to reject a court case if the Plaintiff is found to be more at fault. If the judge, however, decides that the right of rejection is being exploited and that there is no benefit for the Defendant and the children in maintaining the marriage, a decision for divorce can be made.

If the marriage has lasted for at least one year and a joint application for divorce is made, or a court case filed by one spouse is accepted by the other spouse, the marriage is considered to be impaired. In such cases, the Judge listens to both sides and approves the agreement reached by the parties regarding the protection of the children and financial affairs. The Judge has the authority to make any changes on the arrangements. If both parties consent to these changes, the divorce decision is given.

If three years have elapsed from the date a divorce case is rejected and living together has not been established, the marriage is considered to be impaired and a divorce decision is given upon application to the court by either spouse.

If you live outside of Turkey, and are looking for a family law attorney to assist you with divorce, child custody or child visitation, and child support issues, give us a call. We work regularly with clients who live in abroad but have children or divorce matters in Turkey. We understand the frustration that a long distance legal battle can cause and will do all we can to limit your travel expenses and win your case.

Health Law & Malpractice in Turkey

Akkas & Associates’ Turkish health law & malpractice lawyers are prepared to handle all types of business matters. Our Turkish health law malpractice lawyers also represent our clients in cases against medical insurance law suits.

Health law malpractice law governs the liability of doctors and other providers when they cause harm to a patient by rendering their services in a negligent manner. Turkey has its own laws and procedures to handle these specialized personal injury cases. But in general terms, a doctor will be held liable if his or her conduct fails to meet the “standard of care” provided by other doctors under similar circumstances.

Errors that qualify as medical malpractice will typically fall into one of several categories. These include a failure or delay in diagnosing a patient’s condition, misreading X-rays, prescribing the wrong pharmaceuticals, failing to warn a patient of the risks or side effects of a procedure, performing services without the patient’s informed consent, and making a mistake during surgery or childbirth.

When doctors act carelessly, the results can be catastrophic for the patient. It is not surprising, then, that damage awards in medical malpractice cases are among the largest of all personal injury cases. Damages may include medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, decreases in earning potential, punitive damages, as well as compensation for partial or complete impairment, disfigurement, and death.

Expert witnesses play a unique role in medical malpractice lawsuits. Many of the issues debated in these cases, such as whether a surgery was performed correctly, are too complex for judges and juries to understand on their own. This means other doctors must be called upon to study the case, render an opinion, and explain their findings. For the injured patient, the expense of hiring an expert significantly increases the cost of bringing the claim.

A number of public policy groups and elected officials oppose large damage awards in medical malpractice suits. Referred to as tort reform, this effort aims to pass legislation making it more difficult for injured people to file lawsuits, and to cap the amount of damages they can recover once they win. Proponents argue that tort reform will reduce the cost of health care, but the data is inconclusive, and the issue remains highly contentious.

We will get Compensation for Your Suffering

The first step in pursuing a medical malpractice case is to retain an expert attorney in malpractice law suits. Unlike some other areas of the law, self-representation in these cases is not feasible. In fact, due to the financial resources and litigation expertise required, most attorneys do not accept medical malpractice cases. Plaintiffs should seek out a reputable law firm that specializes in medical malpractice.

The attorney will begin by conducting an in-depth evaluation of the factual circumstances surrounding the incident. Hospital records and other evidence will be gathered, During the entire process, the plaintiff’s attorney must comply with a variety of procedural requirements. A single misstep can result in the case being dismissed. These requirements include a statute of limitations, which is a strict deadline for filing the lawsuit.

Patients trust doctors to perform their duties with care. However, when preventable accidents occur during the course of medical treatment, injured patients and their families often encounter insurance companies that want to deny compensation, or pay far less than they should. If medical malpractice is suspected, the best way to protect a patient’s rights is to contact a qualified attorney.

Turkish Citizenship Law

Akkas & Associates’ Turkish citizenship lawyers are prepared to handle real estate acquisitions to get Turkish citizenship. Our investment for Turkish citizenship practice includes; buying, leasing, and selling residential and commercial properties to both domestic and foreign customers in Turkey. Our Turkish real estate lawyers also represent our clients in real property acquisition, we prepare real estate sale contracts or amend the contracts that are prepared by the developers. We also represent our clients throughout Turkish citizenship application process until they get their Turkish passport.

Turkey has slashed the financial and investment criteria for foreigners to become Turkish citizens. According to new regulations, foreigners can become Turkish citizens, if they own property worth 250,000 US Dollars for three years. Foreigners purchased 4.6 billion US Dollars worth of properties last year, with a large proportion of them from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Russia, according to official data.

Turkish Citizenship with Investment

Turkish Citizenship Law’s Article 12 allows foreign investors to acquire Turkish citizenship in exceptional terms; with 18.09.2018 dated 106 numbered Presidential Decree, a mandatory new arrangements have been made regarding the amounts mentioned in the Article 20 of the Regulation on the Implementation of the aforementioned Law.

Within this scope, the foreign investors;

• Who make fixed capital investment at least 500.000 US Dollars or equivalent foreign currency or equivalent of Turkish Lira and for whom certificate of conformity is issued by the Ministry of Industry and Technology,
• Who purchase the immovable property at least 250.000 US Dollars equivalent foreign currency or equivalent of Turkish Lira and attached annotation at land registration not to sell this property for three years and for whom a certificate of conformity is issued by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization,
• Who employ at least 50 employees and for whom a certificate of conformity is issued by the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services,
• Who invest at least 500.000 US Dollars or its equivalent foreign currency or equivalent of Turkish Lira and make commitment to hold the amount of deposits for three years at banks operating in Turkey and for whom a certificate of conformity is issued by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency,
• Who purchase public borrowing instruments at least 500.000 Us Dollars equivalent foreign currency or equivalent of Turkish Lira and make commitment to hold these instruments for three years for three years and for whom certificate of conformity is issued by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance,
• Who purchase a real estate investment fund participation share or venture capital investment fund participation amount of at least 500.000 US Dollars or equivalent foreign currency or equivalent of Turkish Lira and make commitment to hold these participation shares for three years and for whom a certificate of conformity is issued by the Capital Market Board,

Services for Turkish Citizenship with Investment

We do perform legal services for property purchase and management for foreign clients. Our services include preparation, legal help and representation regarding the sale or purchase of a real estate property in Turkey.

An English-speaking attorney will prepare your purchase and sale agreement to buy or sell an off-plan or second-hand house or apartment in Turkey. Our lawyer will advise you of any potential pitfalls, recommend specific changes that would benefit you, discuss or negotiate these concerns and changes with the other party, and accompany you to the Title Deed Office to close the transaction.

What is included? Our lawyers will:

• Discuss Client concerns and issues with Client.
• Draft or review the offer, purchase contract.
• Discuss or negotiate the offer or contract with the Developer or the Developer’s lawyer.
• Prepare up to two sets of revisions or responses to counteroffers, if necessary.
• Review the information provided by the developer (if the property is off-plan).
• Check whether the house is free of charges and/or rented out (if the property is a second-hand home).
• Check whether the Real Estate Tax payments are in good standing.
• Check the local Municipality whether the Developer has all necessary licenses.
• Accompany you to the Title Deed Office in order to sign the purchase and sale deed.
• Change the property title in the Cadastral office.
• Process Client stamp duty tax on your behalf.

Additional Services for citizenship:

• Getting the Client’s passport translated and notarized.
• Applying for the Turkish Tax Id Number.
• Assistance for opening a bank account in Turkey.

Additionally, we have extensive experience on resident permit and immigration & citizenship services for foreign citizens.

Nowadays, there is huge demand for Turkish citizenship via the route of the USD 250,000 property investment law. Our attorneys will help from real estate purchase until you get Turkish citizenship.

Turkish Immigration Law

Akkas & Associates’ Turkish immigration lawyers are prepared to handle work and resident permit applications. Our Turkish citizenship lawyers also represent our clients in other immigration law issues including; extending resident and work permits, application for Turkish citizenship, filing a law suit to cancel any objections.

Given its complexity and frequent modifications, immigration law represents one of the biggest commercial and regulatory obstacles to the employment of key foreign personnel in Turkey. Our firm has the “client-centric” focus, depth and breadth of expertise in the immigration sub-specialties that businesses require.

We work diligently to ensure that our clients maintain a solid understanding of the immigration laws that directly impact their organizations. We help our clients customize their immigration processes into meaningful methods for attracting global talent. Our combined client response practices and technology produce case feedback which is both timely and continuing.

Our ability to provide a broad array of immigration-related legal services such as audits, compliance, tax, business formation, employment law, and “white-collar/government-enforcement” defense services has proven valuable to clients of all sizes. Our foreign language capabilities and experience living and working abroad allow us to comfortably serve our clients in any corner of the world.

Turkish Immigration Services

We have the ability to tackle the full spectrum of immigration matters, including:

• Work and resident permit applications
• Extending resident and work permit
• Application for Turkish citizenship
• Develop Client Immigration Compliance Programs
• Counsel Clients on Immigration Issues Resulting from Mergers and Other Business Transactions
• Defend Against Claims of Unlawful Immigration Practices
• Conduct Immigration Due Diligence In Connection with Business Transactions
• Conduct Audits of Client Immigration Documentation
• Prepare Immigration Documentation
• Represent Clients in Naturalization Cases

Turkish Inheritance Law

Akkas & Associates’ Turkish inheritance lawyers are prepared to handle your inheritance cases in Turkey.

Turkish inheritance law (Miras) aims to protect the extended family and imposes a reserved portion or statutory share for the benefit of the extended family. It is not possible for the entire property to go to the surviving husband or wife.

Reserved Portion Law in Turkey

Property and money left by the deceased are divided among close relatives as stated in the Civil Code. Persons with such rights of inheritance are called heirs (mirasçı).

The reserved portion which does not go to the surviving husband or wife is allocated as follows:

• The reserved portion and legal inheritance right of children is 75 percent of the legal portion
• If the deceased has no children, the reserved portion of the inheritance for the father and mother is 50 percent
• If the parents are deceased the reserved portion for siblings is 25 percent

If the deceased leaves some wealth to a charity or to a tax-exempted foundation, the reserved portion is two-thirds of the amounts above.

Legal heirs in Turkey are:

• The first heirs of a deceased person: the children and the wife/husband
• If the deceased has no children, the deceased’s parents are the heirs
• If the deceased’s parents are not alive, the deceased’s siblings
• The last of a deceased person’s heirs among his or her close relatives are the grandparents and their children

A testator may ban the legal heirs from acquiring their inheritance in exceptional circumstances, for example if a serious crime was committed. However, the testator must prove the reasons for this ban to the court. The banned heir cannot sue the testator.

Inheritance Tax in Turkey

Anyone inheriting in Turkey must pay inheritance tax (Veraset Vergisi); the inheritance tax limit is updated annually.

Valuables, which are transferred to Turkish citizens as gifts, donations, or inheritance either in Turkey or abroad, are subject to Turkey’s Inheritance and Property Transfer Tax law. A non-resident who acquires property as inheritance or gifts owned abroad by a Turkish citizen is not subject to this law. However, a foreigner who is resident in Turkey is subject to the law if they inherit property within Turkey.

Inheritance Tax for foreigners in Turkey

There are two different situations to consider:

• A foreigner married to a Turkish citizen: Foreigners who have Turkish spouses are subject to Turkish law. A foreigner can freely dispose of a limited percentage of assets.
• A foreigner not married to a Turkish citizen: Foreigners are not subject to Turkey’s legislation, but to that of their country of origin.

Turkish IP Law

Akkas & Associates’ Turkish intellectual property lawyers help clients obtain, protect and enforce intellectual property rights; patents, trademarks, design patents, and copyrights in Turkey. Our Turkish intellectual property lawyers also represent our clients in other IP law issues including; IP counseling, patent transactions, licensing, assignment, franchising, patent due diligence, patent infringement analysis, IP litigation including infringement, dilution cases, and counterfeiting. Our attorneys also represent our clients before Turkish Patent and Trademark Office for patent, trademark, design patent law, and utility model applications, appeals and oppositions as well.

Akkas & Associates IP Law Firm has assembled an experienced group of attorneys to help clients obtain, protect and enforce intellectual property rights in Turkey, as well as maximize intellectual property through various business transactions. Our clients range from Fortune 500 companies to emerging companies to individuals. More specifically, the firm’s IP attorneys regularly counsel clients about patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets; practice before government agencies to secure those rights; render patentability and patent, trademark, and copyright infringement opinions; litigate to protect intellectual property; handle arbitration, mediation, and other litigation alternatives; and negotiate licenses and similar business transactions to maximize the value of such property.

Turkish Intellectual Property Law Services

• Copyright Law
• Design Patent Law
• Franchising Law
• IP Litigation
• Patent Law
• Trademark Law

The skills and backgrounds of Akkas & Associates’ intellectual property attorneys are particularly well suited to aid clients in IP law practice area. Our IP attorneys are licensed to practice before the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office and European Patent Office. Their technical expertise is balanced with considerable litigation and business experience. Akkas & Associates’ IP lawyers are experienced in intellectual property disputes, including all aspects of patent, trademark, trade secret, and copyright cases in Turkish Courts, arbitrations and mediations, representing both the intellectual property owner and the accused infringer.

An invaluable tool for many intellectual property owners, particularly those with large IP portfolios, is an audit of its intellectual property assets. We conduct IP audits to help our clients develop the most cost effective strategy for commercializing their intellectual property, guide research and development efforts to focus on core competencies and technology, maximize return on investment, and minimize unwanted, unproductive legal disputes.

Turkish Labor & Employment Law

Akkas & Associates’ Turkish labor employment lawyers are prepared to represent employers in connection with virtually every aspect of the employment relationship. Our Turkish labor and employment lawyers also represent our clients in both unionized and union-free, in administrative proceedings, in arbitration, and in litigation.

Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm represents clients across the spectrum of labor and employment matters, including allegations of wrongful termination, employment discrimination and non competition violations. We also have extensive experience in matters arising in representation proceedings, collective bargaining negotiations, arbitrations, litigation in labor courts.

For over the past two decades, Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm has regularly been engaged in various employment law disputes. We have represented various companies in defending employment related matters. Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm lawyers have experience in all aspects of Turkish labour laws. We represent employers in dealing with unions in collective bargaining and arbitration, and in defense of unfair labor practice charges. Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm lawyers also have experience representing employers in union organizing campaigns, elections, and representation proceedings.

Turkish Labor & Employment Lawyers

Akkas & Associates’ lawyers are also experienced in all aspects of Turkish Labour & Employment law. We draft policies and employee handbooks and conduct training for management and for entire work forces in the areas of discrimination and sexual harassment. Akkas & Associates’ attorneys have successfully represented employers in proceedings before agencies having jurisdiction over discrimination cases in Turkey.

Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm’s lawyers have assisted clients with reductions in force and structuring voluntary separation packages. Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm also has experience in negotiating and drafting individual employment agreements, separation agreements, and non-compete agreements.

Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm attorneys frequently provide lectures to human resource professionals and attorneys on a wide range of subjects related to the employment relationship. Perhaps most important, Our lawyers provide their clients with day-to-day counseling. In so doing, we assist employers in maintaining compliance with applicable laws and avoiding litigation by dealing with employees effectively and fairly within the bounds of the law.

Our attorneys also provide assistance on issues relating to our firm’s general corporate representations. We ranked in the top tier for labor law 2020. Our attorneys frequently speak on numerous topics related to labor and employment. We also publish numerous articles regarding labor and employment law.

Turkish Real Estate Law

Our Turkish real estate lawyers are prepared to handle real estate transactions. Our real estate law practice includes; buying, leasing, and selling residential and commercial properties to both domestic and foreign customers in Turkey. Our Turkish real estate lawyers also represent our clients in real property acquisition, we prepare real estate sale contracts or amend the contracts that are prepared by the developers. We also represent our clients in real estate law litigation.

Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm real estate law attorneys aggressively represents individuals, family-owned businesses, and corporations in all aspects of real estate law, including buying, developing, leasing, financing and selling real estate in Turkey. Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm attorneys have represented buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants and lenders. We have also represented numerous developers on a wide range of development projects, including cluster homes, residential subdivisions, industrial facilities and parks, multi-tenant office buildings, shopping facilities, hotels. Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm advises clients on all aspects of their projects, including the determination of the development vehicle to use, the initial assembly of the property, obtaining local, state approvals for permits and zoning, construction of the project, and ultimate sale or lease of the development. Throughout each of these stages, Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm attorneys assist clients in obtaining and analyzing environmental site assessments and in working with consultants, lenders and governmental authorities in related environmental matters. We also assist in workouts on behalf of owners and lenders.

Turkish Property Law

Our firm’s Real Estate attorneys have significant experience in negotiating and drafting construction and land acquisition contracts, as well as handling land use and zoning matters, and right of way and other property acquisitions in Turkey.

We are Litigation & Trial Attorneys

Akkas & Associates’ Turkish litigation trial attorneys are deeply committed to understanding a company’s business strategy, its industry and its regulatory environment. Our Turkish litigation trial attorneys value this knowledge and use it as the foundation of a tactical litigation plan. We pursue litigation with a zealous, principled and pragmatic approach, always striving to align litigation strategy with our client’s goals. If skilled representation in the courtroom is the best course, we provide it. If a different route to resolution is required, we provide that.

The ultimate goal is to not just serve as an emergency asset, but a trusted business partner to help clients make common-sense decisions about their businesses.

When You Engage Akkas & Associates, You Mean Business

Bet-the-company litigation looks different to every size of organization, which means that a one-size-fits-all approach to litigation does not exist. For a large global organization, millions of Turkish Liras may be at stake; for a small, entrepreneurial company, a swipe at last year’s revenues could close doors. We are sensitive to these nuances. As skilled, experienced and creative trial lawyers, we handle business litigation of all sizes while keeping an eye on the efficiencies that keep legal services cost-effective.

We Provide Legal Solutions Proportionate to Your Needs

Teamwork, responsiveness and flexibility are not hollow buzzwords to us; they have stood as the core of our business since we opened our doors more than 25 years ago. Our lawyers are not rewarded for hoarding work. Instead, we reward excellence and collaboration. That helps us stand out from the crowd but, more importantly, helps us serve our clients with the most effective and efficient legal services possible. In fact, we have received multiple honors for our approach to client service.

IP Litigation

IP Litigation is the strength of our practice and foundation for the firm’s success. Winning an IP case is the product of experience and the execution of a skillful, balanced strategy. In IP litigation, Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm capitalizes on its attorneys’ experience in having filed and prosecuted hundreds of trademark, patent, and copyright applications. Our teams of IP attorneys and trial lawyers have litigated all types of intellectual property matters in Turkish IP courts and the Supreme Court.

Reach us for Istanbul Lawyers Law Firms

Since its foundation in 1992, Akkas & Associates Turkish Law Firm has been the choice of numerous clients in Istanbul, Turkey. Thanks to its nationally recognized litigation practice, our firm is now one of the leading Istanbul law firms in Turkey. You may reach our Istanbul lawyers through our Contact page.