Trademark Opposition, Non-use Revocation and Disputes

Trademark disputes can arise while an application is pending or after registration. Opposition, administrative revocation, invalidity and infringement proceedings serve different purposes. Identifying the procedure first helps avoid sending the wrong documents to the wrong authority or missing a response deadline.

Opposition to a published application

Earlier rights holders may challenge a published Turkish trademark application within the applicable opposition period. The assessment can involve similarity between signs, the goods and services and the likelihood of confusion. A useful response addresses the actual grounds raised and supports factual statements with dated documents. A short deadline should be checked against the official notice, rather than estimated from an informal message.

Non-use and evidence

A registered mark may face revocation if the statutory conditions concerning five years of non-use are met. Administrative non-use revocation before TÜRKPATENT must be distinguished from court proceedings. Invoices, catalogues, packaging, advertisements and sales records may help explain how, when and for which goods the mark has been used in Turkey. Keeping these materials regularly is easier than reconstructing them after a dispute starts.

Invalidity and infringement

An invalidity claim concerns the validity of the registration. Infringement concerns allegedly unauthorised use. The relevant registration, contested use, dates and requested remedies must be compared carefully. Similarity alone should not be presented as a guaranteed litigation outcome.

Prepare a consistent file

Collect the full register extract, official correspondence, ownership documents and examples from both sides. Preserve original files and their dates. Özgel Patent provides representation within its authorised scope and technical support for intellectual property matters. Work requiring judicial representation is handled with lawyers. A technical opinion assists the assessment; the competent authority or court makes the decision.

Prepared by Özgel Patent · Content reviewed: 3 November 2026. Official reference and current information. This is general information; current requirements and the facts of each file need individual assessment.