Personal Data Restrictions at the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO)
The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO) has implemented important updates regarding data restriction practices within the scope of the Turkish Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698 (KVKK) and aligned with the principles of the GDPR.
These measures aim to regulate the obligations of individuals and legal entities processing personal data while ensuring the protection of privacy and fundamental rights.
As a result, access to certain personal data in TPTO databases has been restricted for third parties.
Which Data Is No Longer Accessible at the TPTO?
Under the new regulations, the following data is no longer publicly available to third parties through TPTO systems:
Personal data found in search results obtained via
Patent search tools
Trademark search tools
Design search tools
File tracking systems
Personal data included in Official Bulletins published after 22 March 2021
These restrictions apply unless the data processing falls under the exceptions listed in Article 5/2 of Law No. 6698.
Legal Basis: Article 5/2 of the Personal Data Protection Law
According to Article 5/2 of Law No. 6698, personal data may be processed without explicit consent if one of the following conditions is met:
a) Clearly stipulated by law
b) Necessary to protect life or physical integrity when consent cannot be obtained
c) Directly related to the establishment or performance of a contract
d) Required for the data controller to fulfill a legal obligation
e) Made public by the data subject
f) Mandatory for the establishment, use, or protection of a right
g) Necessary for the legitimate interests of the data controller, provided fundamental rights are not harmed
These exceptions form the legal framework for limited data visibility within TPTO systems.
What Does TPTO Data Restriction Mean for Applicants and Rights Holders?
The TPTO data restriction under GDPR affects how third parties access:
Applicant and owner information
Contact details
Address and identity-related data
This ensures stronger data privacy but may also make it more challenging to:
Conduct opponent research
Monitor competitors
Reach rights holders directly
Therefore, professional guidance becomes even more critical.
How Efor Patent Supports You Under GDPR-Compliant TPTO Practices
At Efor Patent, we closely monitor TPTO regulations and GDPR-compliant practices to ensure:
- Lawful access to available data
- GDPR-compliant IP procedures
- Secure management of client information
- Accurate monitoring and reporting services
Our expert team helps you navigate Turkish patent, trademark, and design processes while fully respecting personal data protection requirements.
Why GDPR Compliance Matters in Turkish IP Procedures
GDPR-aligned practices at the TPTO:
Protect personal privacy
Increase trust in the IP system
Ensure lawful data processing
Align Turkey with international standards
For IP owners and applicants, this means safer procedures and higher compliance in all registration and enforcement processes.
Get Professional Support for TPTO and GDPR Matters
If you need expert assistance regarding:
TPTO searches and monitoring
Patent, trademark, or design applications
GDPR-compliant IP strategies in Turkey
Contact Efor Patent today to protect both your innovations and your data.
