Turkey’s innovation landscape continues to evolve, and the Turkish Utility Model Law remains a powerful instrument for inventors and companies seeking fast and affordable protection. As Akkas & Associates Law Firm, we have supported local and international clients in securing more than 140 patents and utility models in Turkey.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Utility Model in Turkey?
- Key Features of the Turkish Utility Model System
- What Cannot Be Protected as a Utility Model?
- Step-by-Step Utility Model Registration Procedure in Turkey
- Advantages of Turkish Utility Model Law in 2025
- Common Mistakes When Filing Utility Models
- Utility Model vs. Patent in Turkey
- Enforcement of Utility Model Rights in Turkey
- FAQs About Turkish Utility Model Law
- 1. What kind of inventions are excluded from Utility Model protection in Turkey?
- 2. What is the total duration of a Utility Model certificate?
- 3. Can a Utility Model application be converted into a Patent application, and vice versa?
- 4. How is a Utility Model enforced against infringement?
- 5. Are maintenance fees required to keep a Utility Model in force?
- Contact us for Turkish Utility Model Law Services
The Turkish Utility Model Law offers an efficient way for inventors and businesses to protect technical inventions with a faster and more cost-effective process compared to patents, making it a key tool for intellectual property protection in Turkey in 2025.
It is particularly suitable for inventions that may not meet the stringent criteria for patents but still embody useful technical features. Understanding the law’s scope, application process, and benefits is crucial for maximizing your IP protection strategy in Turkey.
What Is a Utility Model in Turkey?
A utility model is an industrial property right that protects technical inventions—similar to patents—but with a simpler, quicker, and more cost-effective registration process. The legal framework is governed by the Industrial Property Law No. 6769, which outlines the requirements and procedures for obtaining a utility model in Turkey.
This protection is ideal for inventions with a shorter market lifecycle or for companies prioritizing speed over extensive examination.
Key Features of the Turkish Utility Model System
1. Faster Registration Times
Because no substantive examination is performed, most applications proceed to registration within 6–12 months, dramatically faster than the patent process.
2. Lower Costs
Both official fees and attorney fees are significantly lower than patent filings, making it attractive for SMEs, startups, and R&D departments with multiple incremental innovations.
3. No Inventive Step Requirement
While novelty and industrial applicability are mandatory, the inventive step threshold is not required. This makes it easier to secure rights for improvements on existing technologies.
4. Maximum Protection Period of 10 Years
A utility model in Turkey is valid for 10 years from the filing date, provided renewal fees are paid annually.
5. Suitable for Incremental Innovation
Utility models are often used for design improvements, manufacturing methods, mechanical innovations, tools, and device components.
What Cannot Be Protected as a Utility Model?
Turkish Utility Model Law excludes several categories, including:
- Chemical inventions and pharmaceutical products
- Biotechnological inventions
- Processes and methods
- Computer programs and algorithms
- Plant varieties and animal breeds
- Discoveries, scientific theories, and mathematical methods
If your invention falls within these categories, a patent application is usually required. Learn more on our related page:
Turkish Patent Registration
Step-by-Step Utility Model Registration Procedure in Turkey
1. Application Filing
Applicants submit:
- Description
- Claims
- Abstract
- Drawings (if applicable)
Foreign applicants must file through a Turkish patent attorney registered with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT).
2. Formality Examination
TÜRKPATENT checks:
- Application completeness
- Compliance with procedural rules
- Fee payment status
3. Publication
Within a few months, the application is published in the Official Patent Bulletin.
4. Search Report
A search report is prepared to assess the novelty of the invention. This report helps evaluate enforceability and can guide future patent strategy.
5. Registration
If no opposition is filed, the application proceeds directly to registration.
6. Annual Renewals
Holders must renew their utility model annually to keep it valid for up to 10 years.
Advantages of Turkish Utility Model Law in 2025
- Rapid protection, allowing businesses to enter the market sooner
- Simplified procedure, reducing administrative burdens
- Lower cost, especially beneficial for serial innovation
- Flexible enforcement, including injunctions and damages
- Strong protection for mechanical and practical inventions
For companies seeking fast enforcement, our litigation team offers experienced representation in IP disputes across Turkey.
Common Mistakes When Filing Utility Models
- Insufficient disclosure in the description
- Deficient claims that reduce enforceability
- Filing for an invention that lacks novelty
- Assuming a utility model offers the same protection level as a patent
- Forgetting renewal deadlines
Professional drafting is essential to avoid these pitfalls.
Utility Model vs. Patent in Turkey
| Criteria | Utility Model | Patent |
|---|---|---|
| Protection Term | 10 years | 20 years |
| Examination | No substantive exam | Full substantive exam |
| Cost | Low | Higher |
| Suitable For | Mechanical, incremental innovations | Complex and high-tech inventions |
| Strength | Moderate | Strong |
Often, companies file a utility model first for quick protection and later convert to a patent for stronger long-term rights.
Enforcement of Utility Model Rights in Turkey
Utility model owners can take legal action against infringers, including:
- Injunction requests
- Seizure of infringing goods
- Compensation claims
- Publication of court rulings
Our firm regularly handles IP infringement cases, customs seizures, and court expertise processes for foreign and domestic clients.
FAQs About Turkish Utility Model Law
1. What kind of inventions are excluded from Utility Model protection in Turkey?
Inventions related to processes, chemical substances, and pharmaceuticals are specifically excluded from Utility Model protection. They must be protected via a standard patent. Methods of surgery or therapy and diagnostic methods practiced on the human or animal body are also excluded.
2. What is the total duration of a Utility Model certificate?
The maximum and non-renewable term of protection for a Utility Model certificate in Turkey is 10 years from the filing date.
3. Can a Utility Model application be converted into a Patent application, and vice versa?
Yes, under specific conditions. A Utility Model application can be converted into a Patent application, and a Patent application can be converted into a Utility Model application, generally within certain time limits set by the law and upon payment of required fees. This allows for flexibility in your IP strategy.
4. How is a Utility Model enforced against infringement?
The right holder can file a civil action for infringement and compensation in the specialized Intellectual Property Courts in Turkey. Akkas & Associates Law Firm, with its experience in IP litigation, can initiate the necessary legal proceedings to stop unauthorized use and recover damages.
5. Are maintenance fees required to keep a Utility Model in force?
Yes, like patents, Utility Models require the payment of annual annuities (renewal fees) to TÜRKPATENT. The first fee is due for the third year from the filing date, and failure to pay these fees on time will result in the loss of rights.
Contact us for Turkish Utility Model Law Services
The Turkish utility model law offers a valuable avenue for protecting innovations, fostering technological growth, and gaining a competitive advantage in the market. Entrepreneurs, inventors, and businesses seeking to safeguard their novel creations in Turkey can benefit from the expertise and support provided by experienced utility model lawyers.
Understanding the nuances of the Turkish utility model law, the application and registration process and its distinctions from patents will facilitate informed decision-making and effective protection of valuable intellectual property. Contact Akkas & Associates Law Firm today for expert utility model services.
