Remedies available
- Cease-and-desist letters as a first step where appropriate.
- Preliminary injunctions and evidence preservation before or during a court action.
- Civil actions for cessation of infringement, removal of infringing goods and compensation.
- Criminal complaints, which can lead to search and seizure of counterfeit goods.
- Customs recordals: customs authorities can suspend the release of suspected counterfeits; the right holder must then obtain a court order within a short period.
- Takedowns on online marketplaces and social media.
Where to start
Collect evidence first: test purchases, invoices, photographs, screenshots with dates and URLs. Then choose the route that fits the infringer: a letter for an innocent seller, an injunction or a criminal complaint for organised counterfeiting.
A registered Turkish trademark makes enforcement considerably easier. If your mark is not yet registered in Türkiye, file now; a watch service will catch copycat applications.
Frequently asked questions
- Can unregistered marks be protected in Türkiye?
- In some cases, for example well-known marks or under unfair competition rules, but the evidential burden is much heavier. Registration is strongly recommended.
- How fast can counterfeits be stopped at the border?
- Once your mark is recorded with customs, suspicious shipments can be detained. You then need to act within a short time limit, so an attorney should be ready to respond.
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