Geographical Indications Law in Turkey
Here’s an overview of the Geographical Indications (GI) Law in Turkey:
🇹🇷 Geographical Indications Law in Turkey
1. Legal Framework
Turkey protects Geographical Indications under the Industrial Property Law No. 6769 (effective from 2017).
The law covers Trademarks, Geographical Indications (GIs), and Appellations of Origin (AOs).
The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TurkPatent) is the authority responsible for GI registration and enforcement.
2. Definitions
Geographical Indication (GI): A sign used on products originating from a specific geographic area, where a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic is attributable to that origin.
Appellation of Origin (AO): A special type of GI where product qualities or characteristics are essentially due to the geographical environment, including natural and human factors.
3. Registration Process
Applications are submitted to TurkPatent.
Required information includes:
Name and definition of the GI.
Description of the product.
Delimitation of the geographical area.
Evidence showing the link between product characteristics and geographic origin.
Production and quality control methods.
The application is examined and published for opposition before registration.
4. Protection
Registered GIs provide exclusive rights to producers in the designated area.
Unauthorized use, imitation, or evocation of a registered GI is prohibited.
Protection is valid throughout Turkey.
Infringements are dealt with under Turkish intellectual property law and can lead to civil and criminal sanctions.
5. Duration and Renewal
Protection is granted for 10 years from the date of registration and is renewable indefinitely.
6. International Agreements
Turkey is a member of:
The World Trade Organization (WTO) and complies with the TRIPS Agreement.
The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
The Lisbon Agreement (for Appellations of Origin).
Turkey cooperates with WIPO and aligns its IP laws with international standards.
7. Local Context
Turkey has a rich tradition of GI products, including:
Antep Pistachios (Gaziantep)
İzmir Tulum Cheese
Aydın Fig
Rakı (traditional alcoholic beverage)
Turkish carpets and textiles
GI protection supports Turkey’s export economy and helps preserve cultural heritage.
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