The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (“TÜRKPATENT”) has revised the List of Goods and Services for trademark applications. The changes were published in the Communiqué on the Classification of Goods and Services for Trademark Applications No. 2024/2 (“Communiqué”) in the Official Gazette dated 20 December 2024 and numbered 32758, entering into force as of its publication date. This regulation repealed the previous Communiqué No. 2016/2, published in the Official Gazette dated 30 December 2016 and numbered 29934.
The revised classification system aims to align with international standards and address the evolving needs brought about by digitalization.
The primary legal basis for the Communiqué is the Nice Agreement, dated 12 July 1995, to which Türkiye is a party. This revision aims to provide clearer definitions and boundaries for the goods and services covered by trademark applications.
Notable Innovations in Goods and Services Classes
The Communiqué introduces innovative changes across several classes, addressing digital assets, robotics technologies, health, entertainment, and other industries. Some of the key updates are as follows:
- CLASS 9: Updates include additions reflecting digital and technological advancements, such as cryptocurrencies (software), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), mobile applications, humanoid robots with artificial intelligence, electric charging stations, and laboratory robots.
- CLASS 10: Products that gained significance in the post-pandemic period, such as health masks, have been included.
- CLASS 12: Modern transportation and logistics vehicles, such as drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, have been incorporated.
- CLASS 37: Steps toward sustainable energy include the addition of services for electric vehicle charging and portable charging unit rental.
- CLASS 38: Communication services via phones, computers, and other devices, as well as internet service provision, have been expanded to include digital communication technologies.
- CLASS 39: Transportation services for health tourism have been added, opening a new field for the health tourism sector.
- CLASS 41: The inclusion of life coaching and entertainment planning services creates a separate category for emerging professions in this sector.
- CLASS 45: Social networking services (including friend-finding services via websites) reflect modern communication and connection trends. Additionally, astrology counseling and spiritual counseling services now cover new-age service categories.
These additions enable trademark applications to address a more detailed and comprehensive scope across various industries while incorporating new professions and service areas arising from digitalization and technological advancements into the registration process.
Conclusion and Evaluation
The Communiqué establishes a standardized classification list to facilitate a more precise assessment of trademark applications. Additionally, it allows applicants to customize this list according to their sectoral needs.
The regulations introduced, particularly for digital assets, robotics technologies, and innovative service areas, have made trademark applications more inclusive. Including such technological advancements in trademark classes is regarded as a significant step toward protecting trademarks from potential commercial and legal disputes that may arise in the future.
Moreover, the regulations not only target the digital realm but also offer an innovative approach to traditional sectors such as health, tourism, and entertainment. Additions in these areas enable trademark applications to be evaluated more clearly and efficiently.
Overall, the Communiqué provides applicants with a more comprehensive and up-to-date classification system that aligns with current developments while also accelerating trademark registration processes.
Ebrar Turan, Associate
Selen Kaya, Trainee Lawyer