Introduction
Whether you're launching a tech product, distributing branded goods, or developing content — protecting your intellectual property (IP) is critical when operating in Russia or Turkey.
While both countries recognize international IP rights, registration and enforcement are local, language-specific, and often misunderstood by foreign rights holders.
At RT-Union – Turkish International Law & Consulting Firm, we guide clients from the EU, UK, and CIS through the full IP lifecycle — registration, monitoring, licensing, and enforcement.
While both countries recognize international IP rights, registration and enforcement are local, language-specific, and often misunderstood by foreign rights holders.
At RT-Union – Turkish International Law & Consulting Firm, we guide clients from the EU, UK, and CIS through the full IP lifecycle — registration, monitoring, licensing, and enforcement.
Do Turkey and Russia Recognize International IP Rights?
Yes — both countries are parties to:
But: local registration is required for full protection and enforcement.
International trademarks (via WIPO) must be validated locally to be usable in court or customs.
- The Paris Convention (trademarks and industrial designs)
- The Berne Convention (copyright)
- The WIPO Madrid Protocol (international trademark applications)
- The TRIPS Agreement (via WTO membership)
But: local registration is required for full protection and enforcement.
International trademarks (via WIPO) must be validated locally to be usable in court or customs.
What Can Be Registered?
IP Type: Trademarks (logo, wordmark)
IP Type: Industrial designs
IP Type: Patents and utility models
IP Type: Software (copyright)
IP Type: Domain names
IP Type: Trade secrets
- Turkey: ✅
- Russia: ✅
IP Type: Industrial designs
- Turkey: ✅
- Russia: ✅
IP Type: Patents and utility models
- Turkey: ✅
- Russia: ✅
IP Type: Software (copyright)
- Turkey: ✅ (optional)
- Russia: ✅ (recommended)
IP Type: Domain names
- Turkey: Commercial use protected
- Russia: Domain law + trademark support
IP Type: Trade secrets
- Turkey: No registry – protected via contract/litigation
- Russia: Same
RT-Union registers and monitors IP portfolios in both countries — including enforcement and licensing support.
Trademarks in Turkey: What You Need to Know
Turkey's trademark system is governed by Industrial Property Code No. 6769.
Applications are filed with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT).
Basics:
We assist with:
Applications are filed with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT).
Basics:
- Term: 10 years, renewable
- Timeframe: ~6–8 months
- Multiclass applications allowed
- Oppositions possible after publication
We assist with:
- Name clearance and identity checks
- Filing (national or Madrid-based)
- Opposition responses and appeals
- Coexistence agreements
Trademarks in Russia: Core Principles
Russia's system is administered by Rospatent under Civil Code Part IV.
Key facts:
Special provisions exist for:
Key facts:
- Term: 10 years, renewable
- Use is not mandatory for registration
- Timeframe: 6–10 months
- English-language documents must be translated into Russian
Special provisions exist for:
- Well-known trademarks
- Protection against transliteration copying
- Parallel import and customs registration
Software and Copyright Protection
Both Russia and Turkey recognize automatic protection for literary, artistic, and software works under the Berne Convention.
However, voluntary registration offers benefits:
RT-Union handles:
However, voluntary registration offers benefits:
- Legal presumption of authorship
- Basis for licensing or assignment
- Simplifies litigation and customs protection
RT-Union handles:
- Software registration
- Source code deposit
- License drafting (Turkish, Russian, English)
IP Enforcement: How to Protect Your Rights
Both countries offer the following enforcement tools:
✅ Civil lawsuits (injunctions, damages)
✅ Administrative action (antimonopoly, unfair competition)
✅ Criminal liability (in large-scale counterfeit cases)
✅ Customs control (IP watchlists)
✅ Online content removal and blocking
RT-Union provides pre-litigation notices, court representation, and coordinated action against piracy, counterfeiting, and brand misuse.
✅ Civil lawsuits (injunctions, damages)
✅ Administrative action (antimonopoly, unfair competition)
✅ Criminal liability (in large-scale counterfeit cases)
✅ Customs control (IP watchlists)
✅ Online content removal and blocking
RT-Union provides pre-litigation notices, court representation, and coordinated action against piracy, counterfeiting, and brand misuse.
Case Example: EU Cosmetics Brand in Turkish Market
A Spanish company found its registered EU brand being used by a Turkish distributor post-contract.
RT-Union:
Result: full brand recovery in 5 months.
RT-Union:
- Filed national trademark in Turkey
- Sent cease-and-desist letter in Turkish
- Negotiated cancellation of infringing registration
- Filed civil claim — obtained injunction and court-enforced rebranding
Result: full brand recovery in 5 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my EU trademark valid in Turkey or Russia?
No — you must file nationally or via the Madrid Protocol. RT-Union manages filings and renewals.
Can I protect my software source code?
Yes — we register software and IP ownership through copyright filings and NDA frameworks.
Can I block infringing goods at the border?
Yes — through customs registration with IP watchlists.
Do I need local legal representation to defend my IP?
Yes — litigation and enforcement require licensed Turkish or Russian attorneys.
No — you must file nationally or via the Madrid Protocol. RT-Union manages filings and renewals.
Can I protect my software source code?
Yes — we register software and IP ownership through copyright filings and NDA frameworks.
Can I block infringing goods at the border?
Yes — through customs registration with IP watchlists.
Do I need local legal representation to defend my IP?
Yes — litigation and enforcement require licensed Turkish or Russian attorneys.
Why Work with RT-Union – Russian-Turkish Law & Consulting Firm
- Full IP strategy in complex jurisdictions
- Licensed trademark and patent attorneys in Russia and Turkey
- Bilingual contracts for licensing, franchising, tech transfer
- Civil, criminal, and customs enforcement
- Cross-border portfolio management
We don’t just register rights — we enforce and monetize them for international clients.
Secure Your IP Before You Enter the Market
🕊️ Launching in Russia or Turkey? Worried about brand misuse or piracy?
Let RT-Union register and enforce your IP rights across jurisdictions.
📞 Free IP audit and filing roadmap.
👉 Protect Your Brand with RT-Union
Let RT-Union register and enforce your IP rights across jurisdictions.
📞 Free IP audit and filing roadmap.
👉 Protect Your Brand with RT-Union
