How Does the Trademark Registration Process Work in the TRNC?

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has its own independent trademark registration system within its borders and enforces trademark protection under the Trademarks Law (Chapter 268). Since a trademark registered in Turkey or any other country does not have legal validity in the TRNC, businesses wishing to operate in this region must separately register their trademarks in the TRNC.

In this article, we summarize the trademark registration process in the TRNC step by step, along with its technical aspects.

Responsible Authority: TRNC Patent and Trademark Office

In the TRNC, trademark registration procedures are managed by the TRNC Patent and Trademark Office, which is affiliated with the Prime Ministry. The office is authorized to accept both trademark and patent/utility model applications. Although the regulations are based on Chapter 268, a legacy from the British colonial period, the office effectively manages registration processes with current practices.

Trademark Registration Application Stages

a) Application Preparation

The documents to be prepared by the applicant or their representative are as follows:

• Trademark sample (visual or word mark)

• Application form (provided by the office)

• Goods and services classification (based on the Nice Classification)

• Power of attorney (if applying through a representative)

Note: Although the TRNC applies the Nice Classification, it is not officially a party to the Nice Agreement.

b) Application Submission

The prepared application is submitted either in person or via a representative to the TRNC Patent and Trademark Office. At this stage, the application fee is paid, and official documents related to the application are received.

c) Formal Examination and Publication

The office conducts a formal examination of the application, and if there are no deficiencies, the trademark is published in the Official Gazette for 3 months. This publication period allows for third parties to file objections.

d) Objection Process

Within the publication period (3 months), third parties may file objections to the trademark application.

Objections are typically based on reasons such as:

• Lack of distinctiveness

• Likelihood of confusion with prior similar registrations

• Claims of bad-faith applications

If an objection is filed, the applicant is given the right to defend their application, and the office will make a final decision.

e) Registration and Issuance of Certificate

If no objections are raised during the objection period or if any objections are rejected, the trademark is registered. Along with the registration decision:

• The trademark is recorded in the trademark register.

• The applicant is issued a Certificate of Registration.

The protection period for the trademark is 7 years from the registration date, and this period can be renewed indefinitely in 7-year periods.

Trademark Registration Time and Costs in the TRNC

Time

• Average total processing time: 6–9 months (can be shorter if no objections are raised)

Costs

• Application fee

• Registration fee

• Representative service fee (if applicable)

  
  

Prices may vary based on current regulations and the number of classes in the application. Costs increase for multi-class applications.

Protection Duration and Renewal of Registered Trademarks

• Initial registration period: 7 years

• Renewal: Indefinite, in 7-year periods

• Renewal applications must be made within 6 months before the expiration of the trademark's validity.

• There is a penalty period for delayed renewals (6 months).

  
  

Legal Protection and Infringements

A registered trademark:

• Provides the right to prevent others from using the same or similar marks in the same class.

• Grants rights such as customs seizure, court orders for suspension, and requests for material damages.

In case of trademark infringement, actions such as determination, precautionary measures, seizure, and compensation lawsuits can be filed before TRNC courts.

Differences Between Turkey and TRNC

Process Stage	Turkey	TRNC
Protection Period	10 years	7 years
International Application	Possible via the Madrid Protocol	Only direct applications possible
Registration Authority	Turkish Patent and Trademark Office	TRNC Patent and Trademark Office
Legislation	Industrial Property Law No. 6769	Trademarks Law (Chapter 268)
Registration Certificate	e-Government and physical document	Only physical document

Conclusion and Recommendations

Trademark registration in the TRNC:

• Is an independent process, and registration in Turkey does not provide protection here.

• Local registration is essential for conducting business in the region.

• Official registration is required for legal protection and enforcement against infringements.

• For a smooth process and accurate preparation of application documents, it is recommended to seek professional assistance from an experienced trademark agent in the TRNC.