Filing a national patent application in Turkey has become a streamlined process under the Turkish Industrial Property Law No. 6769, which entered into force on January 10, 2017. This law harmonized Turkish patent legislation with European Patent Office (EPO) standards and other developed jurisdictions, making Turkey an attractive country for patent protection.
In this guide, you’ll find the updated process, key legal changes, and practical information for obtaining a patent or utility model in Turkey.
Key Changes Introduced by the New IP Law
The new IP Law brought several improvements to align with international standards:
Abolition of the 7-year patent without substantive examination system.
Utility model applications are now subject to a novelty search; applicants can amend claims during prosecution.
Post-grant opposition system: third parties may file oppositions within 6 months after grant.
Annuity payments are now due on the third anniversary of the application date, with a 6-month grace period (and possible further processing).
Use requirement remains, though applicants are no longer required to submit proof of use unless a compulsory license is requested.
The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO) has been accepted by WIPO as an International Search and Examination Authority.
Civil proceedings only apply for patent and utility model disputes.
National Patent Application Procedure in Turkey (Step by Step)
Filing a patent application in Turkey involves several stages, typically completed within 1–2 years:
Formal Examination (1–3 months)
The TPTO checks if the required documents are complete.
State of the Art Report
Must be requested within 12 months from the filing or priority date.
Publication
Occurs 18 months from the filing/priority date.
Substantive Examination
Up to three examination rounds may be conducted.
Grant or Rejection
Upon positive evaluation, the patent is granted for 20 years (non-extendible).
Note: The TPTO performs novelty searches and substantive examinations across nearly all International Patent Classifications (IPC).
Priority and Annuity Payments
Priority Claim: Must be filed at the time of filing or within 2 months thereafter.
The priority document must be submitted within 3 months of the Turkish filing date (non-extendible).Annuity Fees: Due annually on the application date each year.
The first annuity is payable on the third anniversary of the filing date.
Utility Model Applications in Turkey
Utility models provide faster and simpler protection for inventions that do not require a full examination process.
Key points:
Subject to formal examination and a novelty search by the TPTO.
No substantive examination required.
Processes and chemical inventions are excluded from protection.
Average registration time: ~12 months.
Protection term: 10 years (non-extendible).
Priority and annuity rules are the same as patents.
Why File a Patent in Turkey?
Turkey offers several advantages for patent applicants:
Strong alignment with European Patent Convention (EPC) standards.
Cost-effective filing compared to many European jurisdictions.
Availability of national, regional (EPO), and international (PCT) routes.
Strategic geographic location bridging Europe and Asia.
How We Can Help
At Efor IP, our attorneys and patent experts assist clients in:
Filing and prosecuting national and international patent applications in Turkey,
Handling post-grant oppositions, annuity payments, and renewals,
Translating and preparing technical documentation in line with TPTO requirements.
Contact us to discuss your patent strategy in Turkey.
