New Updates in Trademark Registration for 2025
The year 2025 marks a turning point for trademark registration and protection in Türkiye. With several major reforms introduced, both trademark owners and new applicants are directly affected. These changes aim to simplify application procedures, reduce costs, and ensure a more transparent and effective protection system.
Among the most notable updates are the implementation of the administrative trademark cancellation procedure, adjustments to the fee schedule, and the revision of the Nice Classification system. Together, these developments are designed to create a more modern, dynamic, and sustainable trademark framework.
Administrative Trademark Cancellation Introduced
One of the most significant changes in 2025 is the ability to cancel a trademark directly before the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT), without going through court proceedings.
Previously, cancellation was only possible via the specialized Intellectual and Industrial Rights Courts. Now, this process has become an administrative procedure, offering substantial savings in both time and cost.
Grounds for cancellation include:
- Non-use of the trademark in Türkiye for five consecutive years after registration,
- Loss of distinctiveness (e.g., becoming generic),
- Becoming misleading to consumers,
- Continuous use of the trademark in a form different from its registered version (e.g., altered logos).
How the process works:
- Application is submitted directly to TÜRKPATENT.
- Grounds for cancellation must be provided.
- Payment of the official fee and deposit is required.
- The file undergoes preliminary examination, then proceeds to the Re-examination and Evaluation Board (YİDK).
- Decisions may be appealed before the Ankara Intellectual and Industrial Rights Court.
2025 Cancellation Fees:
- Application fee
- Deposit fee (refundable if cancellation is granted)
Trademark Renewal and Application Fees Updated
A major adjustment in 2025 concerns renewal fees and class-based pricing. Instead of renewing all classes, applicants are now encouraged to renew only the classes actively in use.
Renewal rules:
- Trademark protection is valid for 10 years.
- Renewal must be requested within the last 6 months of the protection period.
- A late renewal period of 6 additional months is available, subject to a penalty fee.
- No changes can be made to the trademark itself during renewal — only the protection period is extended.
2025 Renewal Fees:
- Standard renewal fee (up to 2 classes):
- Late renewal fee
- Additional classes (after the first two)
Nice Classification Updated
The Nice Classification, which defines the goods and services covered by trademark protection, was updated at the beginning of 2025. This revision primarily reflects the growth of digital services, e-commerce, and software technologies.
Key changes include:
- Class 35 (advertising, business, retail services) has been expanded and clarified.
- E-commerce and online retail activities are now explicitly included.
- For multi-class applications under Class 35, an additional fee applies for each class beyond the first two.
- Class 42 (software and IT services) has been broadened to cover emerging technologies.
This update allows applicants to define their business activities more accurately, ensuring stronger and more relevant trademark protection.
Partial Renewal and Emphasis on Use
Another important principle emphasized in 2025 is partial renewal. For trademarks registered under multiple classes, renewal is recommended only for the classes that are actively used.
Renewing unused classes can lead to:
- Higher costs,
- Increased risk of cancellation,
- Complications during opposition or litigation.
As a result, trademark owners are now encouraged to keep their portfolios streamlined and ensure continuous use of their marks.
Conclusion
The trademark reforms of 2025 are designed to make the system in Türkiye more efficient, transparent, and aligned with global practices. The introduction of the administrative cancellation procedure marks a milestone, significantly reducing reliance on lengthy court proceedings. Meanwhile, the updated fee system and revised classification encourage applicants to focus on active, genuine use of their trademarks.
Whether you are an existing trademark owner or planning to file a new application, considering these updates will help you build a more strategic and future-proof approach to brand protection.
