The Turkish Patent Institute ("TPE") has begun to list the well known trademarks within its jurisdiction. TPE is in the process of establishing a separate list for the Well Known registered trademarks. Well known status of the trademarks is determined according to Court findings in trademark violation and unfair competition proceedings or alternatively, by a committee of TPE officials on examination of the evidence submitted to TPE.

In determination of the well known status TPE, takes into account, the area of coverage by foreign registrations, the advertising budget, the sales revenues over a long period of time, the publications about the trademark, and any other indicator of this status.

TPE aims at maintaining a list for well known trademark to guide the industry in creating their trademarks, to assist the Courts in relation to proceedings involving the well known trademark status. More important, TPE aims to provide preparatory data and experience for the developments in the International forums regarding well known trademarks.

The content of this article is to provide only a general information on the subject. Legal advice should be sought for any specific circumstances.