How to Register a Logo

Here is our answer to the question of how to register a logo.

• Logo registration applications can be filed through a trademark agent.
• They can also be filed electronically via the e-Portal (EPATS).

1. Filing a logo registration application through a trademark agent

1. Trademark Search: Request a preliminary search from our trademark specialists on the Sistem Patent trademark search page.
2. Class Determination: You must select the appropriate classes from the Nice Classification and clarify the products/services you want to protect.
3. Prepare Required Documents: Application form, Turkish ID/Tax ID number, identity information, signed power of attorney. Logo file (JPG, 300 DPI) and fee receipt.
4. Payment: After depositing the application fee into the account, our agent files the necessary application on your behalf.
5. Monitoring and Response: Our trademark agent monitors the progress of your application. Following the formal examination result, they provide the necessary information to complete any deficiencies. They track the opposition period after the trademark publication. If necessary, they obtain your approval to prepare a response to an opposition.
6. Registration/Refusal: We await the final decision. If registered, we prepare your certificate; if refused, we examine the grounds and evaluate correction or appeal possibilities.

2. Electronic application via EPATS

For this, you first enter the application system on the TÜRKPATENT website. The e-Government gateway is used for login. Then the "New Application" option is selected. Forms are filled and files uploaded. In an internet application, the use of an e-signature or mobile signature is mandatory. After the application record is made, each stage is notified via email, so the applicant can monitor the process online. When the official bulletin is published, an opposition number is issued; this number is used in cases of opposition or appeal against a decision.

Points to consider during the logo registration application process

• Similarity Search: Before applying, conduct a free similarity search in the TÜRKPATENT trademark database. Similar trademarks can be an obstacle.
• Clear and Distinctive: Your trademark must have a distinctive feature. This is very important. If the trademark is not memorable, add distinctive words. Add graphics if necessary. Avoid generic terms.
• Correct Class Selection: Do not select goods and services unnecessarily broadly; mark only the classes covering your actual field of activity. For example, for a clothing brand, consider class 25 and related distribution/service classes (35, 42, etc.). To avoid narrowing the scope, potential new products/services can also be planned.
• Spelling/Format Check: Prevent spelling errors in the application form, as material errors in documents can be corrected (Industrial Property Code Art.6 [39]). Check the technical specifications of your logo file beforehand (Size: ~5×5–7×7 cm, 300 DPI, JPG).
• Quick Correction for Deficiencies: Quickly complete deficiency notifications received during the formal examination; otherwise, there is a risk of losing the application date.
• Monitoring After Publication: When your application appears in the bulletin, definitely track the opposition period. It is possible to respond to third-party oppositions or, simultaneously, use your own right of opposition to defend.
• Regular Renewal: After registration, protection lasts for 10 years. Deposit the renewal fee before the term ends to ensure uninterrupted protection.

Logo registration process at TÜRKPATENT

For both application methods, the logo registration process generally consists of the following stages:

| Stage | Approximate Duration | Description

| Application Filed | 0 days (1 day) | Submission of forms and documents to TÜRKPATENT. Acquisition of the application date (the moment of online registration).

| Formal Examination | ~1–2 months | Completeness of documents and formal compliance are checked. Deficiencies are completed if any (1 month).

| Publication in Trademark Bulletin | ~3–4 months | Eligible applications are announced in the TÜRKPATENT Trademark Bulletin.

| Opposition Period After Publication | 2 months (after publication) | Third parties can oppose within 2 months (Industrial Property Code Art.18). If there is opposition, it is discussed by the Board.

| Substantive Examination (Absolute Refusal) | ~5–6 months | If there is no opposition, the trademark is examined for grounds of absolute refusal. (Time may be given for correction if necessary.)

| Substantive Examination (Relative Refusal) | ~6–8 months | If there is no absolute refusal, it is evaluated for relative refusal aspects (similar trademarks, reputation).

| Registration or Refusal Decision | 6–12 months | If found suitable, a registration decision is issued; if contrary, a refusal decision is issued. The registration decision is published in the Official Gazette and a certificate is prepared.

The figures are not the same for every registration. The registration process is generally like this. The process varies depending on whether there is opposition. Based on experience, the decision period for trademark applications generally occurs within 6–7 months. After the registration decision, an additional few weeks are needed for certificate preparation and registry procedures. A request for re-examination (appeal) can be made against a refusal decision. Against final decisions, a lawsuit can be filed within 2 months.

Publication, opposition, and cancellation procedure

When the application is published in the bulletin, third parties can notify grounds for opposition against the applied trademark. (According to the law, the period for these oppositions has been reduced from 3 months to 2 months.) The opposition is called "opposition to publication" and is examined by TÜRKPATENT's Re-examination Department. At the end of the opposition, either the trademark is refused or the opposition is rejected and registration proceeds. The registration decision is announced in the Official Gazette.