What is a brand?
A trademark is any sign, including personal names, that can be visually displayed or similarly expressed, printed and reproduced, especially words, shapes, letters, numbers, the form of goods or packaging, provided that it enables an enterprise to distinguish its goods and/or services from those of another enterprise.
Even if a business’s trade name and business name are registered under other laws (including Chambers of Commerce, Tax Offices, Craftsmen’s Chambers, and their affiliated institutions), they cannot be considered yours and protected as trademarks unless they are registered with the Turkish Patent Institute.
The most important characteristic to look for in a brand is its ability to differentiate a business’s goods or services from those of other businesses.
What is the scope of protection for a trademark I registered with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPE)?
A trademark registered by the Turkish Patent Institute provides protection within the borders of Türkiye for the goods and services covered by the registration. A trademark registered in Türkiye does not provide any protection outside the borders of Türkiye.
What are the advantages of trademark registration?
Trademark registration grants the owner the right to prevent any unauthorized use of the trademark for the goods and services covered by the registration. The trademark owner may use the trademark themselves or grant permission to others to use it. The trademark owner has all legal rights to prevent unauthorized use of the trademark.
Brand types;
• Trademarks
These are signs used to distinguish the goods manufactured or traded by one business from the goods of other businesses. The marks used on the goods or their packaging are trademarks.
• Service Marks
These are signs used to distinguish the services of one business from those of other businesses. The brands of banks, insurance companies, hospitals, transportation companies, advertising agencies, TV and radio broadcasters, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment service providers are protected under service marks.
• Guarantee Marks
These are marks used by multiple businesses under the control of the brand owner to guarantee the common characteristics, production methods, geographical origin, and quality of the products of those businesses.
• Collective Trademarks
These are signs used to distinguish the goods or services of a group of manufacturing, trading or service businesses from the goods or services of other businesses.
