The Turkish Patent Institute ("TPE") has been formed and in operation since 24.6. 1994. TPE has been made responsible for registration of patent, trade and service marks, industrial designs and to admit patent and trademark agents into practice. TPE is an independent institution and replaces the Intellectual Property Department of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

TPE achieved the first set of its aims by the replacement of old IP laws with completely new ones. With the efforts of TPE, the IP laws of Turkey have been changed in accordance with the EU directives.

On 18 May 1996, TPE carried out the first of its exam to admit patent and trademark agents into practice. As a result 118 trademark and 89 patent agents were admitted to the Practice. From 1 September 1996 only the admitted agents will be allowed to prosecute applications to TPE.

In the year 1995 to 1996 TPE has concentrated on introduction of the newly passed Intellectual Property Laws to the industry and to the practitioners. The Academicians and the members of the TPE attended number of seminars, conferences throughout Turkey, USA, Canada and the U.K., including a conference organised by the TPE itself of the PCT.

TPE aims to develop the IP practice very rapidly in Turkey and expects a considerable increase in registration of local and international IP rights. ++ 90 (312) 419 0249.

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