top of page

Historical Development of Intellectual Property Rights in Turkey

Writer's picture: Juniper IPJuniper IP

Ottoman Era


1857 - Privilege Decrees: The first steps toward industrial property rights in the Ottoman Empire were taken through decrees. During this period, privileges were granted for certain production methods and innovations, providing individuals with special rights. Examples include tax exemptions, state support, or titles.


1870 - Trademark Regulation (Alamet-i Farika Nizamnamesi): This regulation, enacted during the Ottoman era, was the first official legislation regarding the protection of trademarks. Its purpose was to prevent the imitation of marks and symbols used in commerce.


1871 - Patent Law (İhtira Beratı Kanunu): Recognized as Turkey's first patent law, this regulation provided "berats" (patents) to innovative inventions, granting them legal protection.


Early Republic Period (1923-1950)


1923 - İzmir Economic Congress: Shortly after the establishment of the Republic, this congress emphasized the need to support and protect innovations to foster industrial and technological development. One of the decisions made was to encourage industrial investments through the protection of patent and trademark rights.


1928 - Turkish Civil Code and Commercial Code: During the early Republic period, regulations concerning commerce and property rights were introduced, forming the basis for industrial property rights.


1942 - Trademark and Patent Law: Efforts began to modernize the laws inherited from the Ottoman period. The aim was to align industrial property rights with international standards.


Modernization and Internationalization Period (1950-2000)


1955 - Accession to the Paris Convention: Turkey joined the Paris Convention, one of the most important international agreements for the protection of industrial property rights. This treaty ensured the protection of trademark and patent rights in international trade.


1986 - Accession to the Madrid Protocol: Turkey became a member of the Madrid Protocol, which facilitated the international registration of trademarks.


1994 - World Trade Organization and TRIPS Agreement: By joining the World Trade Organization, Turkey adopted the TRIPS Agreement (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights). This marked a significant step in transitioning to international standards for patent, trademark, and other industrial property rights in Turkey.


1995 - Establishment of the Turkish Patent Institute (TPI): The TPI, established under Decree-Law No. 544, became a key institution for the protection and management of trademarks, patents, and design rights in Turkey.


Present Day and Recent Developments (2000 and Beyond)


2004 - Accession to the European Patent Convention: Turkey became a party to the European Patent Convention, enhancing collaboration with the European Patent Office. This facilitated Turkish inventors in obtaining patents across European countries.


2017 - Industrial Property Law:


This law unified regulations concerning patents, trademarks, designs, and geographical indications under one framework.


It introduced concepts such as examined and unexamined patents and took significant steps to protect geographical indications.


The law also introduced measures to encourage innovative efforts, such as shortening registration periods.


2023 - National Strategy and Digitalization:


The digitization of processes for protecting industrial property rights in Turkey has accelerated. Online application systems and international collaborations are now managed more efficiently through the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (formerly TPI).


Comments


bottom of page